Background. COVID-19 has changed the way that governments communicate and engage with citizens. In emergencies, effective communication must be immediate, grounded in science, transparent, easy to understand and in language-appropriate messaging delivered through multiple and varied platforms. For the South African (SA) COVID-19 response, the intent was to design an agile, locally relevant Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategy as the pandemic was unfolding and to constantly evaluate its implementation. Early involvement of communities in the formulation and direction of a risk communication plan is essential to its success. Objective. To outline the significance of the RCCE’s robust communication strategy during the COVID-19 response and the lessons learnt in executing the strategy. Methods. This is a qualitative review of documents and reports generated and utilised by the RCCE Technical Working Group (TWG) and reflects the lessons learnt from discussions and multiple engagements at district, provincial and national levels. The review incorporates lessons learnt from international practice, resource documents from the World Health Organization (WHO), RCCE readiness and response to coronavirus disease, feedback from the Behavioural Science Ministerial Advisory Committee, input from the call centre, website and various established social media platforms. Results. Communication and building trust with multiple stakeholders begin before an outbreak and is a prerequisite to facilitate the timeous flow of information, particularly in the context of a rapidly evolving outbreak of a new disease, where the scientific community does not immediately have all the answers. Initial COVID-19 messages were therefore filled with challenges that ranged from the lack of scientific and epidemiological information to rumours, conspiracy theories and misinformation. The findings validate that empowering communities to act, strengthening public trust and community participation using multiple channels as well as timely responses to rumours and misinformation are important drivers of COVID-19 communication efforts in SA. Communication efforts must be accelerated to translate science into locally relevant languages and the impact of interventions must be measured to appropriately direct limited resources. Conclusion. The risk communication strategy incorporated several key lessons that could be used to improve communication and inform future emergency response communication that is immediate, science-based, transparent, inclusive and encourages community participation.

Digital banking channels have gained immense popularity and have successfully acquired and retained clients. Despite their growing popularity, some consumers still hesitate to adopt these channels. In this study, we explore the role of personality in influencing consumer behaviour towards adopting digital banking channels. The study utilised the Technology Readiness Index to gauge customers' preference for digital banking channels. To answer the research question, the researcher employed a quantitative methodology. The snowball sampling method was used, with respondents passing the questionnaire to others who met specific criteria. 338 valid responses were collected. The proposed hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling. The study suggests that mobile banking channels can be a powerful indicator of users' preferences for various banking channels, such as internet banking, ATM, and cell phone banking. Personality traits optimism, innovativeness and insecurity were the criteria responsible for making mobile banking the most preferred digital banking channel. Financial institutions must critically examine their mobile banking platforms and provide various services to support an end-to-end customer experience. Banks must continue to promote the benefits of mobile banking, including convenient access, time-saving, and the ability to conduct basic banking tasks. Further research could examine the impact of mobile banking channels on cybersecurity and data privacy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation in various sectors, including higher education in South Africa. This study examines the readiness of information security functions in response to this rapid digital shift. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are transitioning to online platforms and digital tools, so the need to adapt security practices has become critical. The research investigates HEIs’ challenges in aligning their information security strategies with evolving digital initiatives. It explores how HEIs address technological change, staff awareness, and evolving security risks. By examining the relationship between digital transformation and information security, this study offers insights into strengthening the resilience and effectiveness of security functions within South African higher education. The findings highlight significant challenges, including the pace of technological change, inadequate staff training, and a lack of a security-conscious culture. Despite these hurdles, successful strategies such as promoting security awareness, policy adaptation, and improved governance frameworks are key to enhancing institutional preparedness. These insights can guide future efforts in improving information security practices in higher education, ensuring a more secure and resilient digital environment.

The fourth industrial revolution has transformed how we do things, including retailing and consumers' shopping habits. Multiple devices equipped with multiple screens enable consumers to compare prices before purchasing goods or services. Despite the fast pace of technological development that has provided an opportunity for a unique and satisfying experience for consumers through any touch point in the retailing industry globally, retailers in developing countries are still lagging in understanding the factors influencing omnichannel consumers' behaviour. The literature on factors influencing omnichannel use in a South African context remains inconsistent and fragmented, as most previous studies are based on consumers in European and Asian markets (Weber-Snyman & Badenhorst-Weiss, 2018). Against this backdrop, it becomes imperative to explore the factors influencing omnichannel consumers' behaviour in South Africa. The study contributes to the emerging and growing field of omnichannel retailing by identifying the factors influencing consumer behavioural intention to use omnichannel in South Africa. Consumers seek out new technology to experiment with and be the first to try it among their family and friends. A descriptive survey was conducted in Gauteng province using a questionnaire. Respondents were identified through the convenience sampling method. The study findings suggest that a consumer's intention to purchase in an omnichannel store is influenced by performance expectancy, effort expectancy and personal innovativeness. The researcher recommends that the omnichannel retailer managers properly define the values incorporated in an omnichannel store to stimulate personal innovativeness during the online shopping journey, as personal innovativeness is an essential predictor of purchase intention. It would be interesting for another researcher to replicate this study in other provinces across South Africa, specifically rural areas.