Customer perceptions of hygiene and trust in Johannesburg’s informal food economy.

Background: Street food vending plays a central role in urban nutrition and informal employment across South Africa; however, its sustainability largely depends on consumer trust, which is strongly influenced by perceptions of hygiene. Objectives: This paper investigates customer expectations, observed hygiene behaviours, and purchasing decisions within Johannesburg’s informal food economy. Drawing on the Health Belief Model Mand behavioural economics, this study examines how visible hygiene practices shape customer trust, repurchase behaviour, and gendered risk perceptions. Methods: A cross sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among 110 consumers of street-vended food in Johannesburg’s inner city. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to assess associations between observed hygiene practices, trust, and purchasing behaviour, while qualitative open-ended responses were analysed thematically. Results: Seventy-four per cent of customers reported preferring vendors with visible hygiene practices, defined as the use of gloves or aprons, clean food displays, Mand observable handwashing. However, only 41% consistently observed handwashing between transactions, and just 45% had seen any form of hygiene certification displayed. An association was observed between customer trust and repeat purchases (p < 0.001) and between PPE use and customer trust (p = 0.011). Women were significantly more hygiene-sensitive (p = 0.029), expressing greater concern about exposed food, hand contact, and environmental conditions. Thematic analysis revealed that over half of the respondents indicated that trust, once compromised by unhygienic conditions, frequently resulted in permanent customer loss. Conclusions: Customer trust in street food vendors is contingent on hygiene. Hygiene visibility is a core driver of loyalty, especially among female consumers. Interventions to improve food safety should incorporate behavioural insights, vendor-customer feedback loops, and public-facing certification strategies

Business process management framework: Systematic review of thetrends, potentials and future.

The dynamics of business processes necessitate effective management to achieve an optimum outcome. in this study, a systematic literature review was conducted to explore the trends, potentials and future of business process management (BPM) and modelling frameworks for effective business performance. Initially, a total number of5630 articles were obtained from different academic databases, and 83 articles were reviewed due to their relevance to the topic. The review highlights the importance and limitations of the BPM framework, and some outcomes from organisations where it has been implemented. Based on the outcomes of the review, this study proposes a BPM framework comprising of the basic components that organisations can employ to identify, assess, and manage risks proactively. It further noted the positive influence of BPM on some organisations although some reported cases of under-implementation due to the dynamics and complexity of the business environment and misalignment with management priorities. emerging trends indicate the future of BPM frameworks will move from a static process modelling tool to a more sophisticated data-driven and adaptive tool integrating digital technologies such as digital twin. The outcome of this study can assist business experts and organisations understand business workflows for effective analysis and improvemen

Differentiated corporate governance drivers for respective spheres of government in South Africa.

Purpose and motivation: Despite challenges, public sectors worldwide are actively pursuing reforms, including efforts to enhance good corporate governance. The aim of this research was to determine whether differences exist in the root causes driving favourable audit outcomes, as a proxy for good corporate governance, within the three public sector spheres of South Africa, where it seems a differentiated approach to addressing challenges is required. Methodology: Annual reports were analysed over a 13-year period. Performing quantitative analysis, binary logistic regression was performed for each of the three targeted groups, using the audit outcome as the dependent variable. Thereafter the three regression models were compared, emphasising that comparing the estimated coefficients of the binary regression models is informative. Results: ‘Internal control weaknesses’ is the only statistically significant driver of sound corporate governance in all three spheres. Key drivers for the three spheres differ, indicating that different aspects drive sound corporate governance. Contribution: The results can guide policymakers, oversight entities, and public sector entities in tailoring their corporate governance efforts to enhance the likelihood of favourable audit outcomes. Countries that can identify with the South African situation can repeat the study to identify areas for improvement in their own environments

Study protocol: A mixed-methods investigation of the impact of health and safety practices on the business performance among street food vendors in Johannesburg

The informal street food sector serves as a vital component of urban economies in South Africa, providing affordable nutrition and employment. However, this industry struggles to comply with required health and safety practices and standards. This study protocol outlines a mixed-methods investigation into hygiene practices, regulatory compliance, and the intersection with business sustainability among informal food vendors in Johannesburg’s inner city. This study aims to investigate how vendors’ perceptions of health risks and benefits influence compliance behaviours and, in turn, how these behaviours impact operational efficiency, financial stability, and customer trust. Grounded in the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework, the research seeks to explore both behavioural drivers and performance outcomes associated with hygiene adherence. The study will employ structured stall observations, semi-structured vendor interviews, and customer surveys across high-density vending zones. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data will be thematically analysed and triangulated with observed practices. The expected outcome is to identify key barriers and enablers of hygiene compliance and demonstrate how improved food safety practices contribute to business resilience, customer trust, and urban public health. The findings aim to inform inclusive policy and innovative business support strategies that integrate informal vendors into safer and more sustainable food systems

An empirical insight into the validity of the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis in the SADC region.

Climate change has resulted in global warming (CO2 ) extremes, leading to academic debates on how climate change is impacting economic growth. Additionally, how do regulatory environments address climate change issues from a developing country perspective? The novelty of the study stems from a contribution to the stock of empirical evidence on the SADC region (1990–2023), employing panel data and a robust econometric strategy that accounts for crosssectional dependence, slope heterogeneity, and non-stationarity. The analysis utilizes the CS-ARDL and CCEMG estimators on the impact of climate change on economic growth in the short-term and long-term. The findings provide partial support for the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Although GDP and its squared term were not statistically significant across models, the expected inverted U-shaped relationship emerged in some specifications, indicating that environmental degradation initially increases with economic growth but may decline at higher income levels

Investigating the extent in which ecological systems help lecturers to enact artificial intelligence strategies for adaptive teaching.

The paper explores the influences Ecological Systems has in the growth of humankind and adaptation to technological changes. Institutes of learning are now adapting to the growth of Technology in which now is blown by AI immense growth as a teaching strategy (i.e., helping students to understand difficult and abstract mechanical concepts through AI.). This paper therefore explored how Ecological System helps lecturers to enact Artificial Intelligence strategies for adaptive teaching in Gauteng TVET Colleges that are offering Mechanical Engineering. Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions find themselves as one of the critical sectors mandated with skills and manpower development roles in response to the needs of industry and commerce. It therefore follows that, the competence of lecturers who can effectively and efficiently transfer the relevant technical and vocational knowledge, and skills becomes a critical national imperative for analysis and discourse. The study was guided by Ecological System Theory framework in trying to give direction to study fundamentals. This study deployed qualitative research approach and further used interviews, observation and equipment analysis as a data collection instrument. Thematic analysis was a tool used to analyse the data obtained. The study found that Mechanical Engineering lecturers at TVET colleges lack training or development into the use of AI. Furthermore the study found that infrastructure is another stumbling block in most of the institutes as they don’t have proper equipment of resources to enable lecturers to use AI strategies for adaptive teaching

Financial conditions in South African municipalities: Analysis of irregular, unauthorized, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure.

This study analyzes the financial conditions pertaining to South African municipalities that have given rise to disclosures of irregular, unauthorized, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures for the financial periods from 2011/2012 to 2020/2021. The study employed the Poisson regression model to compare annual government expenditure on irregular, unauthorized, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures, based on a content analysis of the National Treasury’s expenditure reports for metropolitan municipalities over a ten–year period. The results highlight a p–value < 0.05 for government expenditure in all eight metropolitan municipalities. The financial year 2013/14 (R3.4 billion) had the highest fruitless and wasteful expenditure total, followed by the financial year 2014/15 (R1.9 billion). Irregular expenditures for the financial years 2016/17 and 2018/19 recorded R12.46 billion and R12.54 billion, respectively. The financial year 2019/20 had the highest unauthorized expenditure (R5.3 billion), as compared to other financial years. The municipalities in South Africa continue to pursue irregular, unauthorized, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures each year, without any apparent indications of valid efforts to end or prevent ongoing occurrences. The seriousness of fruitless and wasteful expenditure totals indicates the magnitude of financial benefits foregone by municipalities, and that can be avoided with proper oversight

Photocatalytic removal of eosin yellow dye in wastewater using silver-nickel oxide modified zinc oxide (Ag-NiO/ZnO) nanocomposite.

The growing discharge of synthetic dyes from industrial sources poses significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Among these, eosin yellow is particularly persistent and resistant to conventional treatment methods. In this study, a silver–nickel oxide-modified zinc oxide (Ag–NiO/ZnO) nanocomposite was synthesized via a simple one-pot hydrothermal method and evaluated for visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation of EY. Optical analysis using Tauc plots revealed a progressive narrowing of the band gap from 3.16 eV (ZnO) to 2.93 eV (NiO/ZnO) and 2.77 eV (Ag–NiO/ZnO), enabling enhanced visible light absorption. The Ag–NiO/ZnO photocatalyst achieved 95.0 ± 1.5 % degradation of EY within 60 min, with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 1.6 × 10⁻² min⁻¹ , significantly outperforming pristine ZnO and NiO/ZnO. Enhanced activity is attributed to improved light harvesting, efficient charge separation via p–n heterojunctions, and plasmonic effects of Ag nanoparticles. Radical scavenger tests confirmed the dominance of hydroxyl and superoxide species in the degradation mechanism. These findings position Ag–NiO/ZnO as a cost-effective and scalable material for visible-light-assisted photocatalytic wastewater treatment

An intercultural communication management framework for culturally diverse organisations.

In the context of increasing globalisation and workforce diversity, organisations face growing challenges in fostering effective intercultural communication, collaboration, and cohesion among employees from varied cultural backgrounds. Poor intercultural communication can lead to conflict, misunderstanding, and decreased organisational performance. This study aims to propose a comprehensive Intercultural Communication Management Framework (ICMF) to enhance intercultural understanding, reduce communication barriers, and support inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures in multicultural organisations. A qualitative research design was adopted, involving a systematic literature review and analysis of strategic and policy documents to identify key gaps in current intercultural communication practices. The framework is theoretically grounded in Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory, offering a structured basis for analysing cross-cultural dynamics. The study finds that effective intercultural communication requires more than individual adaptation; it demands an organisational commitment to structured development of intercultural competencies. The proposed ICMF includes three core phases, recognition, planning, and integration, and is supported by four key enablers: motivation, knowledge, skills, and character. These are presented as learnable competencies rather than fixed traits, with particular emphasis on empathy, flexibility, and curiosity. A strategically driven and continuously enhanced approach to intercultural communication can significantly improve intercultural competence and employee cohesion in diverse organisations. The ICMF provides a practical and adaptable model for guiding such efforts. This study contributes a novel conceptual framework that positions intercultural communication as a strategic organisational function, not merely a soft skill. It bridges a critical gap by integrating ethical principles, individual competencies, and institutional strategies. Future research should empirically validate the framework across diverse sectors to assess its practical impact on team performance and organisational outcomes

Determinants of entrepreneurial behaviour among vocational college and university students in Gauteng, South Africa: A theory of planned behaviour perspective.

Entrepreneurship has long been a key driver of economic development across various countries. Investigating the determinants of entrepreneurial behaviour is essential for making a meaningful contribution to sustainable development. This study investigated the determinants of entrepreneurial behaviour among university of technology and TVET college students in South Africa, utilising the modified theory of planned behaviour. Specifically, the study explored how risk-taking propensity, financial and non-financial support, media, and gender influence perceived behavioural control, entrepreneurial intention, and behaviour. Additionally, the study tested the direct effects of perceived behavioural control on both entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial behaviour, as well as the direct effect of entrepreneurial intention on entrepreneurial behaviour. An online, structured, self-administered questionnaire was utilised to gather data from 496 finalyear diploma students at a university of technology and a TVET college, using a convenience sampling technique. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to analyse the data and test the postulated hypotheses. The findings revealed that non-financial support positively affected entrepreneurial intention, perceived behavioural control, and entrepreneurial behaviour, while financial support did not. Risk-taking propensity significantly influenced perceived behavioural control, entrepreneurial intention, and entrepreneurial behaviour. The results revealed that the gender was negatively related to perceived behavioural control, and female students exhibited lower perceived behavioural control than their male counterparts. However, gender showed no significant association with entrepreneurial intention or entrepreneurial behaviour. Media had a positive influence on both entrepreneurial intention and perceived behavioural control but did not significantly affect entrepreneurial behaviour. Additionally, both entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial behaviour were positively influenced by perceived behavioural control, while entrepreneurial intention also was positively associated with entrepreneurial behaviour. These findings underscore the critical role of fostering a supportive entrepreneurial environment in shaping entrepreneurial behaviour. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and educators to cultivate an environment that supports students in developing as entrepreneurs. The results can inform policymakers in implementing support interventions aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial capacity among the youth. Promoting entrepreneurship is vital in achieving sustainable development goals through job creation and poverty alleviation