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Item Embargo Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Prostate Cancer Screening Among Males at a Selected Village in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province: A Cross-Sectional Study(2026-05-19) Maluleke, Vukona Hector; Tshitimbi, T. O.; Manyuma, D.Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men worldwide and the fifth leading cause of cancer mortality among men globally. This study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study design to assess men’s knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding prostate cancer at N’wamatatani village. A sample of 232 respondents was randomly selected from a population of males aged 40 years and above at N’wamatatani Village. A questionnaire containing closed-ended questions was used to collect data from the sample respondents. The questionnaire's validity and reliability were ensured. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0 was used to analyze the data. Data was summarized descriptively and presented in frequencies, tables, and charts. Chi-square, Phi, and V Cramér’s were used to test association and effect size, respectively, at the 0.05 level of significance. Respondent’s knowledge was assessed as explanatory variables, and attitude and practice as response variables. Respondent’s knowledge was assessed as explanatory variables, and attitude and practice as response variables. Ethical considerations included requesting permission to conduct the study at the N’wamatatani Traditional Council. Informed consent was sought from respondents, and the study was voluntary. The study found that 61% of the respondents had knowledge about prostate cancer. Furthermore, the results showed positive attitudes towards prostate cancer screening, with 95% of respondents scoring overall positive attitudes versus 5% scoring overall negative attitudes. Only 12% of respondents reported undergoing PCa screening. In conclusion, it must be noted that despite the current study setting registration high levels of positive attitude towards PCa there is relatively low up taking in the screening of PCa. This might suggest that having positive attitude towards PCa does not necessarily mean that one will go for screening. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that the department send a health professional to remote areas, such as N’wamatatani, to conduct PCa screening. Moreover, future research projects should focus on early screening for PCa among males to determine its prevalence in rural areas.Item Embargo Evaluating the Effectiveness of Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policies at the University of Venda(2026-05-19) Nethavhanani, Muvhofhololi Ronald; Goliada, N. V.; Mulaudzi, A.Fraud and corruption present significant challenges to governments and organizations worldwide, including institutions of higher education. South Africa is no exception, with universities facing increasing scrutiny over financial mismanagement and unethical practices. This study examined the effectiveness of the University of Venda's fraud and corruption prevention policies. A mixed-methods research design was employed, with purposive sampling used to select participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current prevention policies and response strategies. The study found that (1) awareness training and departmental Fraud Prevention Plans have improved staff knowledge and understanding of anti-corruption measures, (2) gaps remain in whistleblower protection and enforcement of policies, which limit the overall effectiveness of anti-fraud strategies, and (3) organizational culture and leadership commitment significantly influence the successful implementation of fraud prevention measures. Recommendations were formulated to enhance institutional strategies to mitigate fraud and corruption, thereby improving governance, accountability, and ethical conduct. The study also advances scholarly understanding of fraud prevention in higher education and informs broader efforts within government, non-profit, and private sectors to strengthen anti-corruption initiatives and support the criminal justice system in addressing fraudulent practices.Item Embargo The Role of Work-Life Balance in Employee Wellness and Occupational Stress among Police Officers at Vhembe District(2026-05-19) Ndou, Angel; Moloi, T. J.; Monyai, M.This study examined the role of work–life balance in employee wellness and occupational stress among police officers in the Vhembe District. Police officers continue to serve as frontline protectors, yet the public remains largely unaware of the pressures they face daily. Work–life balance plays a crucial role in shaping employee attitudes toward both work and personal life. Guided by a positivist paradigm, the study adopted a quantitative research approach and a Correlational research design. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to a probability sample using the census method, where one questionnaire was used to collect data from all police officers included in the study. The analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Version 29.0, with results presented through tables, graphs, frequencies, and percentages. The findings revealed a strong positive correlation between work–life balance and employee wellness (r = .970, p < .001), demonstrating that officers who maintain a healthy balance report significantly higher levels of wellness. A strong negative correlation was found between work–life balance and occupational stress (r = –.822, p < .001), indicating that poor balance contributes to elevated stress levels. Furthermore, occupational stress showed a strong negative correlation with employee wellness (r = –.852, p < .001), confirming that increased stress significantly diminishes overall well-being. Based on these findings, the study recommends that police management strengthen work–life balance practices through flexible scheduling, improved workload distribution, and adequate rest periods, while also implementing wellness initiatives such as mental health programmes, counselling services, and stress-management interventions to support officers’ holistic well-being. The study concludes that promoting work–life balance is essential for enhancing wellness and reducing occupational stress among police officers in the Vhembe District, and further research should explore additional mediating factors to deepen understanding within policing contexts.Item Embargo The Impact of Exchange Rate Volatility on South African Manufacturing Trade Flow (2008-2023(2026-05-19) Munyamela, Vhahangwele; Dagume, M. A.; Munzhelele, T. W.The failure of the Bretton Woods arrangement of stable exchange rates has resulted in the existence of a new form of foreign exchange rate uncertainty or volatility, which has since drawn the attention of numerous economic modellers and researchers due to its known adverse impacts on international trade. This research study is aimed at investigating the influence of foreign exchange rate volatility on the manufacturing trade of South Africa using export and import econometric models and economic data spanning January 2008 through December 2023. The study used data containing several macroeconomic variables, including manufacturing imports and exports, and econometric models such as the GARCH model (for measurement of volatility in foreign exchange rate) and the import and export time series regression models to estimate the impact of volatile currency exchange rate on cross-border trade flows. Methods for conducting unit root tests including Phillips-Perron and Augmented Dickey-Fuller indicated that the foreign exchange, interest and inflation rates as well as trade variables were initially non-stationary, but stationarity was achieved after taking the first difference, confirming their suitability for regression analysis. Johansen cointegration analysis identified two and one cointegrating equation(s) for the import and export models respectively at the 5% significance level, confirming long-term stability in trade flows’ relationships with macroeconomic variables including foreign exchange, inflation, and interest rates. This study’s results showed that volatile foreign exchange rate significantly influenced both log-transformed export and import variables, supporting the initial hypothesis that manufacturing trade flows are affected by volatilities in foreign currency exchange rate. While the foreign currency exchange rate level itself had an insignificant effect on manufacturing exports, its volatility had a strong impact. Similarly, foreign exchange rate had a weak adverse impact on imports, while its volatility showed statistically significant effects. Diagnostic tests confirmed the robustness of the models, showing consistent residual patterns and the absence of autocorrelation or serial correlation. The study provides valuable insights for evidence-based policy formulation and recommends that policymakers adopt strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of uncertainty or volatile foreign exchange rate. It further highlights the significance of stable exchange rates in supporting sustainable trade. By focusing on the manufacturing sector for South Africa and employing advanced econometric tools, this study enriches the limited body of empirical work on exchange rate volatility in developing economies and offers practical policy recommendations.Item Embargo Optimizing Inter-Organizational Collaboration to Address Critical Skill Gaps and Sectoral Priorities in the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Supply Chain in Thulamela Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Ndlovu, Hluli; Nkondo, L. G.; Ramavhona, N. G.Food and beverage manufacturing is one of the most significant sectors of the South African economy, exerting a substantial influence on the employment rate and food security. However, the lack of technical, managerial, and digital skills remains unresolved, which hinders the sector's development. The rapid development of Industry 4.0 technologies, the lack of coordination between stakeholders, and the fragmented form of training systems in Limpopo Province have contributed to the skills gap. This study explored the potential of inter-organizational collaboration (IOC) to streamline the sectoral priorities in the food and beverage manufacturing supply chain of the Thulamela Local Municipality and to curb such shortfalls. The study aimed to determine the extent to which collaboration amongst industry participants, government organizations, and academic institutions can improve the competency of the workforce. With an interpretivist paradigm and a qualitative exploratory research design, data were collected using semi-structured interviews with the manufacturers and suppliers of food and beverages. Through purposive sampling, the participants had pertinent expertise. The thematic analysis of the data was performed using ATLAS.ti., which provided systematic identification of the most important themes. The results revealed that the existing joint projects, such as those of the FoodBev SETA and the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), are disjointed and do not align with industry skills demands. Significant discrepancies were found in the areas of food safety, automation and digital supply chain management. Collaboration barriers were also identified, including bureaucratic inflexibility, resource imbalance, breakdowns in communication, and the prevalence of distrust amongst stakeholders. The advancement in technology has further transformed the nature of skills, necessitating the need for hybrid skills that combine digital literacy, technical skills, and adaptive soft skills. In practice, it can provide a model on how policymakers and leaders in industries can institutionalize a multi-stakeholder collaboration to transform the workforce. Significant limitations include the geographic focus of the study on Limpopo Province, the relatively qualitative nature of the study, which hinders generalizability, and time constraints that prevented longitudinal observation. The prospective study employs mixed-methods and longitudinal designs to determine the lasting effects of collaborative partnerships and to analyse them in other sectors of the industry.Item Embargo Strategies which youth graduates in Thulamela Local Municipality can adopt to take entrepreneurship as a career(2026-05-19) Netshisaulu, Murunwa; Nkondo, L. G.; Mampheu, V.Youth unemployment is a problem across the globe in both developing and developed countries. Achieving a certain qualification does not guarantee employment as the job market is saturated and cannot employ every youth graduate who has attained a certain qualification every year. Youth entrepreneurship boosts economic growth, reduces unemployment and creates job opportunities. However, the rate of youth unemployment remains a problem facing graduates. This study aimed to determine strategies that youth graduates in Thulamela Local Municipality can adopt to develop entrepreneurship into a career. The qualitative approach and exploratory research design was used in conducting this study. Purposive, nonprobability sampling was adopted using semi structured interviews and observations to collect data through face-to-face interactions, as well as telephonic interviews with nine (9) unemployed youth graduates in Thulamela Local Municipality. Data was analysed using Atlas.ti8. The findings revealed that some of the reasons youth do not take entrepreneurship as a career include lack of motivation regarding entrepreneurship, fear of failure and a lack of finances. Some of the strategies which youth graduates can adopt to follow a career in entrepreneurship involve motivation for entrepreneurship, financial assistance, networking and connecting with appropriate associates. The study suggests that the government, as well as nongovernment organisations, should collaborate to promote youth entrepreneurship. The study contributes to existing literature since it provided findings from unemployed youth graduates in Thulamela Local Municipality. The results of the study, which was carried out in Thulamela Local Municipality, may not be generalised in other municipalities. Further research about youth entrepreneurship should be conducted to increase participation.Item Embargo The Protection of the Right to Healthcare of Illegal Immigrants in South Africa(2026-05-19) Manavhela, Maano; Jegede, A. O.South Africa is experiencing a rising number of illegal immigrants, especially from the neighbouring countries, who come into the country for several reasons, such as seeking socio-economic ends, studies, and seeking new livelihood opportunities. Incidental to this migration subject is the fact that some immigrants enter the Republic in violation of immigration laws or reside in the Republic without obtaining a legal stay. The Constitution entails a Bill of Rights which guarantees the protection of several fundamental rights to everyone. Some of these rights have been extended to illegal immigrants, as evident in the Discovery Health v CCMA case, where the Court interpreted rights to fair labour practices for the protection of illegal immigrant workers. The study looked at the extent of illegal immigrants' right to health care in South Africa according to the existing legal framework. The study adopts a desk-based doctrinal methodology to effectively analyse the legal basis for providing healthcare to illegal immigrants in South Africa, incorporating primary and secondary sources of law such as case laws, journal articles, statutes, international laws, and other pertinent sources. The study concludes that the right of illegal immigrants to health is undermined on the basis of their immigration status, a position contrary to international and regional jurisprudence. The study recommends for the extensive policy review and amendments, courts' extensive engagement with the content of the right to health and eventual endowment of the right to health with a jus cogens status as it is an innate minimum core standard to the right to life and dignity.Item Embargo The role of e- participation in the promotion of municipal service delivery in Thulamela Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Mudau, Fhatuwani Prince; Mbedzi, L.; Mahole, E.This study examined the role of e-participation in promoting municipal service delivery in Thulamela Local Municipality. Despite legislative frameworks supporting public participation in South Africa, municipalities continue to experience service delivery challenges, particularly in water provision, waste management, and infrastructure, which disproportionately affect rural and marginalised communities. While digital platforms offer opportunities to enhance participatory governance, their effectiveness and inclusivity remain underexplored in rural municipal contexts. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of e-participation in improving service delivery, citizen engagement, and decision-making processes in Thulamela Local Municipality. A mixed-methods approach was employed. The quantitative component utilised structured questionnaires administered to 185 community members selected through stratified random sampling, enabling statistical analysis of patterns and perceptions. The qualitative component involved purposive sampling of 15 key informants, including municipal officials, ward councillors, and ICT personnel, with data analysed thematically to provide in-depth contextual insights. The findings revealed that e-participation improved communication, transparency, and citizen involvement, with approximately 60% of respondents indicating enhanced responsiveness and engagement. However, only 51.9% perceived improvements in sustainable service delivery, reflecting uneven outcomes. Qualitative results confirmed increased accessibility through digital platforms but highlighted challenges such as limited digital literacy, poor internet access, low awareness, and delayed municipal feedback. The study concluded that e- participation has significant potential to improve service delivery but is constrained by structural and institutional barriers. The study contributes empirical evidence on e-participation in a rural municipality and provides practical insights for enhancing inclusive, responsive, and sustainable digital governance.Item Embargo The role of Good governance in enhancing Local Economic Development in the Vhembe District Municipality(2026-05-19) Netshandama, Madzanga Carol; Munzhedzi, P. H.; Singo, A. T.This study focuses on the role of good governance in enhancing Local Economic Development (LED) in Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Limpopo Province. Good governance is a critical factor in enhancing LED, as it ensures transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and the efficient management of resources. This study examines the multifaceted role of good governance in driving economic growth at the local level, focusing on its capacity of local government institutions to create an enabling environment for sustainable development. Key governance principles such as participatory decision-making, the rule of law, and effective service delivery are highlighted as essential components for promoting local economic initiatives, attracting private sector investments, and fostering community-driven development. However, the local sphere of government faces a multiplicity of local economic challenges, such as poorly maintained infrastructure, a lack of an LED strategy, limited capacity, and a lack of community participation. This study uses a pragmatic research paradigm. In this study, the researcher adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative approach is utilised to examine associations and investigate cause-and-effect relationships between measurable variables, while the qualitative approach is employed to interact with study subjects and explore the issues in depth and complexity. The researcher employs non-probability sampling and purposive or judgmental sampling, to pick respondents for this study. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. This study uses the data analysis methods, which are thematic analysis and statistical analysis. Data collected through a questionnaire is analysed using the computer program Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 31.0.1.0. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents, 51, constituting 46,4%, agreed that political and administrative officials are held to account in their operations. The study findings revealed that the majority of the respondents, 75 (68,2%), agreed that the lack of accountability among officials hinders LED. The findings reveal that most of the respondents, 79, who constitute 71,8% agreed that local community involvement enhances governance and supports economic development. Finally, the study revealed that training programs for municipal officials will improve governance and support economic development. The study recommends that VDM continues to strengthen accountability mechanisms by promoting transparent reporting, regular performance evaluations, and active public oversight to maintain and build on this positive perception. The study recommends that the municipality implement stronger accountability measures for officials to ensure transparency and improve the effectiveness of LED efforts. The findings showed that most of the respondents agreed that the lack of accountability among officials hinders LED. The study recommends that community engagement should be enhanced by creating more inclusive platforms for participation and ensuring that community input is meaningfully integrated into planning and decision-making processes. The study recommends that the municipality must implement regular and targeted training initiatives to enhance officials’ skills, knowledge, and capacity to drive effective governance and sustainable economic growth. The study findings indicated that training programs for municipal officials will improve governance and support economic development.Item Embargo The Effects of Unethical Conduct on the performance of municipal ward councillors in selected local municipalities of Limpopo Province(2026-05-19) Mukhadi, Mukhethwa; Zitha, H. E.; Matloga, S. T.The main function of local government is to provide communities with basic services such as water, electricity, garbage removal, and sanitation, as well as promoting socio-economic development while encouraging community involvement. However, municipal ward councillors are tasked with understanding and representing community needs and monitoring the performance of local municipalities in service delivery. The practice of unethical conduct in local government manifests in erosion of public trust, political fallout, and reduced performance of both local municipalities and municipal ward councillors. This research analysed the impact of unethical conduct on the performance of municipal ward councillors, proposing strategies to improve their performance, thereby enhancing service delivery. The study aimed to explore the effects of unethical conduct on the performance of municipal ward councillors in Limpopo. The study employed a qualitative desktop research approach underpinned by four theories (the Principal-Agent Theory, Institutional Theory, Political Theory, and Systems Theory), coupled with the Interpretivism research paradigm, Explanatory research design, purposive sampling as a sampling method, document review as a data collection method, and Thematic analysis as the data analysis method. The study found that the performance of municipal ward councillors is not hindered by their own behaviours but is greatly influenced by the environment in which they operate. The continuous practice of unethical behaviour undermines resource allocation, declines service delivery, increases irregular expenditure, reduces public trust, and results in protests. The study recommended the adoption of modern technology, such as the use of Artificial Intelligence, to monitor behaviour, ensure compliance, produce accurate results for decision making, oversee the tender awarding process, and keep records of all municipal transactions. The findings will contribute towards combating unethical conduct, enhancing the performance of officials, promoting quality service delivery in South Africa, and adding to the body of knowledge that already exists.Item Embargo The role of e-governance in enhancing effective supply chain management in the Rand Water(2026-05-19) Mabasha, Masala Cyril; Maela, K. D.; Munzhedzi, P. H.This study investigates the role of e-governance in enhancing effective supply chain management (SCM) in the Rand Water. Guided primarily by institutional theory and selectively drawing on the technology organisation, environment perspective, the study examines how coercive, mimetic, and normative pressures interact with internal capabilities to shape digital reform trajectories. This study adopted a desktop-based qualitative design, synthesising secondary sources published between 2020-2025. This includes peer-reviewed studies, policy frameworks, and audit reports to inform data collection and analysis. The analysis employed content and thematic analysis to map e-governance across the full SCM value chain, procurement, demand planning and forecasting, logistics and inventory visibility, disposal and compliance, contract oversight, and risk control, rather than treating e-procurement in isolation. Within this frame, the study seeks to address persistent weaknesses at Rand Water, fragmented platforms, manual workarounds, partial integration of the Central Supplier Database and eTender systems, skills and capacity gaps, and cyber-organisational risks. The study found that Rand Water has made notable progress in digitising procurement processes, particularly in sourcing and tendering, improving transparency, compliance, and accountability through system integration and automation. However, downstream supply chain functions remain only partially digitised, with fragmented systems, skills gaps, and cybersecurity concerns limiting the full realisation of an integrated and transformative e-governance framework. The study recommends the integration of supply chain systems into a unified digital architecture, supported by advanced analytics, improved digital skills, and strengthened data governance and cybersecurity frameworks. It further calls for a shift from compliance-driven e-governance to a more flexible, innovation-oriented approach that promotes organisational agility, responsible risk-taking, and long-term performance improvement.Item Embargo Evaluating the efficacy of Local Economic Development program on poverty alleviation in Collins Chabane Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Magomani, Rhulani Elvis; Sethu, M. J.; Zitha, H.This study evaluates the efficacy of the Local Economic Development (LED) program in alleviating poverty in Collins Chabane Local Municipality, a rural locality with profound socio-economic issues. The research draws on secondary data from municipal reports, government policy documents, and peer-reviewed literature to explore ways in which LED activities facilitate poverty relief. Poverty relief is facilitated in three ways: skills development; small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) support, and self-employment. The research is underpinned by a qualitative desktop-based. The study adopts a constructivist research paradigm. Employing an exploratory research design, the study seeks to investigate the efficacy of the LED program on poverty alleviation in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality. The research approach is inductive, allowing for the emergence of Endogenous Growth Theory through thematic synthesis of existing literature. Despite the potential programs with common challenges such as under-funding, low institutional capacity, inadequate technical expertise, and limited infrastructure, LED programs limit their abilities to alleviate poverty. By discussing the inclusiveness and effectiveness of LED methods in Collins Chabane Local Municipality, the study addresses a gap in the body of research on rural LED impacts and provides possible practical solutions in alleviating poverty and promoting service delivery in rural communities.Item Embargo The role of good governance in enhancing service delivery: a case study of Bushbuckridge Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Silaule, King Tihosi; Ngobeni, T.; Mahole, E.Local municipalities in South Africa, particularly those in rural areas like Bushbuckridge, face ongoing challenges in delivering quality public services due to systemic governance weaknesses. Despite a robust constitutional and legislative framework promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, implementation at the local level often remains fragmented and ineffective. This study aims to investigate the role of good governance in enhancing service delivery within Bushbuckridge Local Municipality (BLM), where persistent service delivery failures have led to recurring public dissatisfaction and protest. To investigate the role of good governance in enhancing service delivery, this study adopts good governance theory as developed by the World Bank in 1989 through its report titled "Sub-Saharan Africa: From Crisis to Sustainable Growth", where it identified poor governance as a major obstacle to economic development and introduced the concept of "good governance" as essential for effective public administration and sustainable growth. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on local governance and rural development in post-apartheid South Africa. The research adopted an interpretivism research paradigm and used a Case study research design, complemented by desktop research. The study used a qualitative research approach. The study was conducted in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, located in the northeastern corner of Mpumalanga Province. The study population included publicly available municipal documents. It used purposively selected secondary data from documents such as the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs). Research data were collected through document analysis with a total sample size of 155 sources. These consisted of academic articles, government reports (including BLM IDPs 2018, 2023), policy documents, and white papers, matching the purposive selection. The findings provided critical insights into how good governance can be operationalized to enhance service delivery in underperforming rural municipalities, such as BLM. An application for a clearance certificate was obtained from the University of Venda Research Ethics Committee ethical research committee. The major findings of the research study are: • The study found that the current state of service delivery in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality is poor, with governance failures and weak accountability causing service shortages and public distrust. • The study found that the principles of good governance are crucial in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, as weak transparency, accountability, and public participation have led to poor service delivery, community dissatisfaction, and unequal development • The study found that Bushbuckridge Local Municipality faces governance challenges, including weak governance, political interference, and limited capacity, resulting in poor accountability, transparency, and unequal service delivery. • The study found that improving service delivery in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality requires stronger governance, effective leadership, community involvement, fair resource allocation, and collaboration among stakeholders. Recommendations of the study are as follows: • The municipality should strengthen institutional capacity, enforce accountability mechanisms, and improve financial and resource management to ensure consistent and effective delivery of basic services. • The study recommends that the municipality should prioritise the practical application of transparency, accountability, participation, responsiveness, and equity in all municipal operations to rebuild public trust and promote inclusive service delivery. • The municipality should reduce political interference, ensure merit-based staff appointments, and reinforce institutional structures to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficient decision-making. • The municipality should implement robust governance strategies, including digital reporting systems, participatory planning, leadership development, monitoring and evaluation, equitable resource allocation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to sustainably improve service delivery outcomes.Item Embargo The Role of Community Participation in Fostering Good Governance in Collins Chabane Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Sithole, Khazamula George; Singo, A. T.; Nemakhavhambe, M. M.This study investigates the importance of community participation in fostering good governance in the local government, with reference to Collins Chabane Local Municipality. Community public participation is regarded as a cornerstone of democracy. In this manner, community participation enables community members and citizens to participate in decision-making processes, thereby making the local government accountable, legitimate, transparent, and responsive to community needs. Section 152 of the Constitution of the Republic of 1996 mandates that local government is development-oriented. The Municipal System Act, 32 of 2000, positions community participation at the center of local government governance. The challenge is that, in most municipalities, community participation has become lip service, depriving communities of meaningful participation in matters that affect them. A literature review suggests heightened perceptions of passive community participation due to poor consultation, inadequate communication by municipal leadership, and a lack of response to community needs. This study is based on a desktop study which focuses on secondary data. This study employed the theories of Participatory Democracy and Good Governance. The adopted research paradigm is interpretive, with a descriptive research design. The data collection was based on secondary data analysis from the literature review, and the data analysis was categorised into themes. The findings of this study provided an insight into the role of community participation in enhancing participatory governance. This study concluded by recommending strategies to enhance community participation in fostering good governance at the Collins Chabane Local Municipality.Item Embargo The Challenges of Water Supply in Local Government: A Case Study of Vhembe District Municipality(2026-05-19) Nevhufumba, Tshilidzi; Maemu, E.; Sethu, M. J.The study aims to investigate the challenges of water supply in the Vhembe District Municipality. The provision of clean and reliable water supply is a fundamental necessity in the Vhembe District Municipality. Vhembe District Municipality faces significant challenges regarding water supply to its community. The water supply is crucial for both domestic and agricultural productivity. The challenges facing the municipality's water supply arise from several factors, such as insufficient infrastructure, unpredictable rainfall trends, and rising demand due to urban expansion and population increases. As a result, these challenges underscore the immediate need for enhanced water management approaches and bring to light essential concerns about sustainability. The researcher applied the mixed methodology, in which both the qualitative and the quantitative research methods will be utilised. The mixed methodology approach was applied in this study to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges affecting the water supply in Vhembe District Municipality. The researcher used the non-probability sampling and its subtypes, purposive sampling, to help understand the objectives of the research and gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the municipality. The researcher collected data through two methods, namely questionnaires and interviews. Data collected through questionnaires will be analyzed through computer software called International Business Machinery (IBM): Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) 30.0.0, and information will be presented as visual tables and percentages. Data collected through interviews was analysed using thematic analysis and presented as a report. The major findings of the study are: • VDM plays a crucial and largely recognised role in the provision and management of water services within its jurisdiction. • The study indicated that the VDM has undertaken various water supply initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure, which include the expansion of bulk water systems, rehabilitation of pipelines, development of boreholes, and upgrading of treatment plants. • VDM adequately meets household needs and that the existing infrastructure has some capacity to manage demand. • The findings indicate that the VDM encounters several interconnected challenges in delivering reliable and clean water to its communities. • The study indicated that stakeholders acknowledge the necessity for comprehensive strategies to enhance water supply in VDM. The following recommendations are therefore made: • The study recommends that the VDM enhances its efforts in improving water supply services by concentrating on both infrastructure maintenance and long-term sustainability. • VDM to enhance its communication and transparency concerning water supply initiatives to foster greater trust within the community. • VDM must tackle its water supply challenges by prioritising the repair and modernisation of ageing infrastructure. • VDM to prioritise the upgrading and maintenance of its water infrastructure, particularly outdated pipelines, treatment plants, boreholes, and dams. • The study also underscores the significance of community engagement in addressing water supply challenges.Item Embargo Strategies used by teachers to improve reading in the Foundation Phase(2026-05-19) Tshidzumba, Zwanga; Mulaudzi, L. M. P.; Mulovhedzi, S. A.Reading is generally considered a critical skill, both within and beyond the classroom walls. It is an essential skill that is required for good academic performance. This study aimed to explore teaching strategies that teachers use to improve reading in the Foundation Phase. Research has shown that teaching phonics, shared reading, and guided reading are imperative in establishing strong literacy in learners. The approaches in-volve the building of phonemic awareness and decoding to promote fluency in reading. Some other research suggests vocabulary development and using technology in making reading a richer experience, which can engage and interest learners more. Additionally, the research was guided by interpretivism as the paradigm of the study. A qualitative approach, which was exploratory, was used for research. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. The population for this research consisted of all Grade Two teachers in Nzhe-lele Central Circuit primary schools in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Also, 6 teachers from 3 purposively sampled schools were used. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data from each participant. The study findings revealed effective teaching strategies, which teachers utilise to meet the varied reading needs of their learners. Recommendations stressed the significance of employing a range of these strategies to accommodate different learning styles and enhance reading development.Item Embargo The Psychosocial Well-being of Nurses and Psychologists in Africa: A Scoping Review(2026-05-19) Makhobela, Amukelani; Makhado, L.; Mushwana, M. D.Introduction: Healthcare systems in Africa have prioritised healthcare recipients, and little emphasis has been placed on the well-being of healthcare professionals, as reflected in the limited available literature on the scope of healthcare professionals' well-being. The present study examines studies conducted in African countries, with a focus on the psychosocial well-being of nurses and psychologists. To answer the research question: What is the psychosocial well-being of nurses and psychologists in the African context? The study contributes to improving working environments within healthcare settings, enhancing pandemic readiness, and enhancing the overall quality of life of healthcare workers in African nations. Methods: A scoping review has been conducted using the frameworks established by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and Levac et al. (2010). A comprehensive literature search has been conducted, covering publications from 2014 to 2024, across the following databases: PubMed, EBSCOhost, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, institutional repositories, and other grey literature sources, as well as a hand search of the reference lists of included studies. Studies included were assessed for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Findings: Fifteen studies are included in this review. Most research on nurses' well-being originates in South Africa, with limited representation from other African countries. There is a notably high psychosocial toll among nurses in healthcare settings with expressions of burnout, severe depressive symptoms, PTSD, anxiety and other stress-related disorders coupled with compassion fatigue. Conclusion: There is an absence of an effective, unified intervention programme(s) to promote nurses’ psychosocial well-being. Irregularities and disparities are highlighted within the organisational structure of most healthcare settings in Africa. There is an urgent need among stakeholders to implement intervention strategies among healthcare workers to support their psychological health and social needs.Item Embargo The comprehension of mothers on the nutritional status of children aged 3-5 years in Greater Taung Local Municipality, North-West Province(2026-05-19) Mogale, Molala Lydia; Nesamvuni, C. N.; Masia, T. A.Malnutrition, especially in childhood, is a major public health concern globally. It is estimated to contribute to more than one-third of all child deaths globally, with approximately 45% of mortality in children under five years from low and middle-income countries. The study aimed to investigate mothers' comprehension of the nutritional status of their children in the Greater Taung Local Municipality. The study design was cross-sectional, following quantitative methods. The target population were mothers and their children aged 3-5 years in GTLM. Two-stage sampling was used. Firstly, simple random sampling was used to select Early Childhood Development Centres, giving them an equal chance of being selected for the study. Secondly, a systematic random sampling method was used to select 236 mothers with children aged 3-5 years. Data was collected with a questionnaire. Data analysis was done using the Statistical and Data Analysis version 18. Descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies and standard deviation were used to describe and summarise the data. Fisher’s exact test was used for the association between a child’s anthropometric status and the mother’s nutritional knowledge. Anthropometric measurements were analysed using the WHO AnthroPlus software. Proper and due consideration was given to research ethics. The University of Venda approved and provided the ethical clearance certificate. Results showed that most mothers did comprehend the interpretation of the direction of the curves in the Road to Health Booklet. Furthermore, the study showed that mothers had average (n= 125; 54%) and adequate (n= 81; 34.3%) knowledge, which is positive for their nutritional outcomes and those of their children. Regarding anthropometric status, most children (n = 227; 96.2%) presented with a normal weight-for-age. Stunting was a concern (n=33; 14.0%). Underweight and wasting were n=9 (3.8%) and n=20 (8.5%), respectively. A significant association was observed between mothers’ nutrition knowledge and weight for height (p=0.009) and BMI (p=0.038).Item Embargo The impact of the structural and behavioural factors on governance in selected Limpopo municipalities: South Africa(2026-05-19) Mafuwane, Amukelani Amanda; Nekhavhambe, M. M.South African local municipalities continue to face persistent governance challenges, which contribute to poor service delivery in areas such as water provision, hygiene, power, and refuse management. Even with the nation’s advanced constitutional and legal structures, the underlying issues of these challenges remain complex and deeply entrenched. This study concentrated on the impact of structural and behavioural factors on governance in selected municipalities within the Limpopo province, focusing on the interaction between governance shortcomings like corruption, poor leadership, and lack of transparency, as well as structural constraint factors like limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and capacity challenges. The researcher employed a qualitative desktop research design, drawing data from various municipal documents, academic journals, publications, and reports from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA). The data was examined through thematic analysis to uncover important patterns and trends. The Institutional Theory guided this study to explain how both formal and informal institutional structures shape governance practices and service provision outcomes. The findings reveal that the selected Limpopo local municipalities are facing significant challenges including issues in financial management, leadership, inadequate skills, a high level of corruption, and a lack of transparency. These hurdles are linked to non-compliance with financial regulations, poor oversight, and weak institutional capacity, which therefore undermine the ability to ensure effective governance and accountability within the municipalities. Based on the results of this study, the study proposes several recommendations to strengthen governance in the selected Limpopo local municipalities. These include enhancing leadership capacity through the adoption of a leadership scorecard and rotational exchange programme; improving skills through knowledge hubs; enhancing compliance with the MFMA; institutionalising consequence management mechanisms to curb corruption; and promoting transparency. The study further recommends that future studies conduct comparative studies across different local municipalities and employ diverse data collection methods to broaden the understanding of governance challenges and interventions in the South African local government context.Item Embargo The Efficacy of E-governance in Promoting Community Participation(2026-05-19) Tshikovhi, Lufuno; Matloga, S. T.; Maemu, E.This study examines the efficacy of e-governance in promoting community participation within Thulamela Local Municipality (TLM). As information and communication technology (ICT) becomes increasingly integrated into public administration, e-governance has emerged as a crucial tool for enhancing transparency, accountability, and civic participation. Municipalities are increasingly utilising online platforms to better engage with their communities. To evaluate the efficacy of e-governance portals, including social media, municipal websites, and mobile applications, this study employed a mixed-methods approach. This approach combined quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews involving community members and municipal officials. The choice of mixed methods was made to gain a deeper understanding of the research problem. The study has five main objectives. To accomplish these objectives, the researcher adopted a pragmatism paradigm and utilised descriptive and contextual design. Nonprobability sampling methods, specifically purposive sampling, were employed to select participants. In total, 130 individuals were sampled, including 10 municipal officials who participated in interviews and 120 who completed structured questionnaires. Data collection was conducted through two main methods: structured questionnaires and interview schedules. For data analysis, the quantitative data obtained from questionnaires were analysed using statistical methods with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 30.0. The results were presented in the form of tables, frequencies, and percentages. Qualitative data from the interviews were analysed using NVivo Version 15.0, employing thematic analysis to group the data into themes and present the findings in a narrative format. The study explored how e- governance facilitates community participation, the challenges faced during its implementation, and the municipality's responsiveness to digital feedback. The findings of this study revealed that e-governance has significantly enhanced accessibility and convenience for community participation in Thulamela Local Municipality. The study emphasised the need for improved municipal strategies to incorporate digital feedback into decision-making processes. This research contributes to the evolving field of e-governance and participatory democracy. It offers recommendations to enhance e-governance in local governance and provides valuable insights to policymakers, municipal officials, and community stakeholders on effectively leveraging technology for more inclusive decision-making in TLM. The major findings in this study are: ➢ There are relationships between e-governance and community participation in TLM. ➢ The current e-governance of TLM is ineffective in promoting community participation due to poor network services in rural areas, high data costs, budget constraints, and delays in updating information. ➢ Thulamela Local Municipality still faces several challenges in implementing e- governance to promote community participation, including limited internet access, a lack of digital literacy, language barriers, inadequate training and awareness, high data costs, Trust issues, ideological barriers, and financial and infrastructural challenges. ➢ TLM has several initiatives to strengthen community participation through e- governance, including digital literacy workshops and training sessions, as well as social media platforms, to encourage residents to engage with e- governance. ➢ A dedicated help desk, training sessions for both municipal officials and residents, and expanded internet connectivity enhance participation through e- governance portals. The following are the recommendations based on the study findings ➢ The Thulamela Local Municipality should support community members by providing an opportunity to express their voices through e-governance portals, allowing them to prioritise their needs. ➢ Simplifying e-governance processes further and providing user training or support mechanisms to enhance effectiveness. ➢ Implement multilingual platforms, simplify content, and provide educational support programs to promote inclusivity and equitable participation in digital initiatives. ➢ The municipality’s annual community participation plan should be implemented to ensure continuous learning and participation. TLM should invest in broadband infrastructure, establish public Wi-Fi hotspots, and collaborate with network providers to enhance participation through e- governance.