The study examined the challenges on revenue generation among state universities in Zimbabwe. The situation at state universities is unbearable because of rising inflation, worsening economic and political challenges facing Zimbabwe for close to three decades without any sign of improvement. A case study approach was used to purposively select twelve (12) participants drawn from the two urban state universities. Two university financial directors and 10 senior members of staff from the selected universities were interviewed. An inductive approach to analysing the responses allowed themes and categories to emerge. The study established that the current legislation, macro-economic and political environment, reduction in government support and diminishing grant funding were noted as major barriers to revenue generation among state universities in Zimbabwe. On the way forward, there is need for the universities to be given the autonomy to determine their own fees and activities. University administrators need to be resolute, innovative, determined and creative.

The fundamental purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of audit committees in the eThekwini municipality within the province of KwaZulu Natal. The target population for the study was all the standing and audit committee members totalling 20, thus taking a census-based approach. The descriptive sections adopted a positivist paradigm employing quantitative methodology was used to examine information through techniques that revealed patterns, trends and relationships. Hence, a mixed methodology was the case in this study. The study revealed that the eThekwini audit committee was generally effective in discharging its oversight role in the council, though there were areas of concern, which include control frameworks and financial management to improve corporate governance. The study revealed that there was, to a large extent compliance with legal requirements regarding audit committees, as well as best practice processes. It is therefore important to point out that, this study outlines good practices of audit committees that are worthy of emulation and further improvement by the research community as a framework for good governance in local governments

The small business sector is regarded as a catalyst of employment for the largest number of people around the world. To reduce massive unemployment and inequality in the country, the Government of South Africa introduced various initiatives to stimulate and support small businesses, and the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is one such initiative. The enterprise development approach, which seeks to transfer income to poor households in the short to medium term, is one of the delivery mechanisms of the EPWP. This study critically assesses the impact and effectiveness of the training and support interventions provided to small businesses through the EPWP. The study employs a quantitative research method due to the size, availability, and ease of access of the participants, and the entire population of 20 small businesses, supported by the EPWP in the Pretoria region, was sampled. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted. The study demonstrates that the training intervention provided by the EPWP has a positive impact and achieves its intended goal of enhancing the business management skills of participants. It also reveals an interesting outcome, i.e., that the majority of the participants are women. The study also identified some weaknesses in the programme, which led to the recommendation that long-term support mechanisms are essential for ensuring the sustainability of emerging enterprises.

Poverty is one of the most vital issues negatively impacting livelihoods in South Africa. Central to addressing basic human needs towards poverty eradication lies the provision of renewable energy (Chen, 2024). Poverty can be addressed through access to energy sources that are modern, clean, and affordable (Lu et al., 2023). Energy is relevant for addressing fundamental human needs and is a prerequisite for economic growth. The study investigated the extent to which a move towards clean energy for poor communities contributed towards poverty reduction in an urban context. The study was carried out in two phases using a mixed-method research design. Phase 2 was a qualitative study based on information gathered from in-depth interviews, while Phase 1 was a quantitative study that included an online survey. According to the study’s findings, the adoption of renewable energy technologies in Soweto township, will contribute to a decrease in poverty, improve the socio-economic status of citizens, enhance economic growth, and save the environment. To achieve poverty reduction, the researchers concluded that, the government should provide the citizens with affordable renewable energy equipment, such as solar panels to those that are regarded as poor and provide incentives to those that install solar panels in their household.

Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues is a peer-reviewed journal which publishes original research papers and case studies

This study investigates the role of the company secretary in ensuring and promoting proper Corporate Governance (CG) in public and private owned South African companies, so as to educate companies on their significance in reducing corporate scandals. The study followed a mixed research paradigm in which qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used. Fifty questionnaires were sent to company secretaries of different business sectors giving a response rate of 78% with four of the participants telephonically interviewed to gather qualitative data. The study confirmed that the company secretary still plays a significant role in promoting CG by giving support and advising the board and its directors on CG matters. The results further show that some company secretaries are involved in director selection, performance evaluation and implement induction, training and/or professional development to strengthen the company’s governance practices. Through the use of the Companies Act and the Kings report the company secretary ensures directors are kept abreast of relevant legislative and regulatory developments. It was observed that the company secretary ensures good information flow between the board, directors and stakeholders and keeps record of all conflicts of interest. Though the company secretary is appointed by the board they can whistle blow any misconduct under the protection of the Protected Disclosure Act, thus ensuring effectiveness of their role. Despite the fact that some of the company secretaries are facing challenges due to the ever evolving and increasing complexity of their roles, there has been evolution with regards to legislation, greater transparency, better governance and improved investor expectation. This study enriches company secretaries with knowledge of their expected role in CG.