https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/2 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:29:49 GMT 2026-07-07T20:29:49Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1061 Title: Financing green transitions: the institutional link in Sub-Saharan Africa’s renewable energy drive. Authors: Okere, Wisdom.; Ambe, Cosmas. Abstract: The transition to renewable energy in Sub-Saharan Africa is shaped by both financial and institutional determinants, yet empirical evidence on their joint effect remains limited. This study examines the relationship between financial resources and renewable energy adoption across 20 Sub-Saharan African nations from 2004 to 2023, using Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares to capture long-run relationships and System Generalised Methods of Moments (GMM) to address endogeneity, it tests whether finance alone can drive RE growth and whether institutional quality moderates this effect. Results show that FDI is not sufficiently a driver for renewable energy transition, with effects varying across estimators. Also, political stability emerges as a driver for renewable energy adoption, while institutional quality has a mixed-moderating effect. These findings support recent evidence that governance quality and green finance mechanisms enhance the FDI flows for clean energy transition. This study contributes to the renewable energy finance literature by offering one of the first SSA-wide empirical analyses integrating finance-institution interaction in a green economy. Policy implications highlight the need for coordinated strategies that combine FDI inflows, institutional reforms and innovative green finance tailored to country-specific contexts. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1061 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1060 Title: Exploring the prevalence of reading challenges among EFAL learners and the strategies teachers use to support them. Authors: Dube, Tsitsi Belinda.; Steinke, Kellie. Abstract: Research in South Africa indicates that 81% of learners in Grade 4 struggle to read with comprehension (Department of Basic Education, 2023). The early graders’ reading difficulties hinder their ability to read and to learn other subjects. This study explores the reading challenges experienced by SiSwati home language speakers when reading English First Additional language and the strategies teachers employ to mitigate them. This paper presents findings of the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA), which was utilised to assess learners' reading proficiency, and the Facilitative Orientation to Reading Teaching (FORT), which was used to assess classroom interactions. Conducted in 2021 at a primary school located in a high-density suburb in Mpumalanga, the research involved four teachers and two classes each of Grades 2 and 3. Results revealed that only four Grade 2 learners met the expected threshold of 30 words correct per minute (WCPM), while only eight learners in Grade 3 surpassed the threshold of 50 WCPM. Most learners fell below these thresholds, highlighting significant literacy challenges. The lack of standardised teaching strategies among teachers is evident. The study recommends a single across-the-curriculum programme as an intervention, as well as improved pre-service training and ongoing support for in-service teachers. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1060 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1059 Title: Exploring the importance of traditional medicine in society. Authors: Twala, Mandla.; Sokani, Andile. Abstract: Traditional herbal medicine remains a vital component of healthcare across Africa, deeply rooted in indigenous cultural beliefs and practices. This systematic review employs the PRISMA framework to analyse regulatory frameworks, cultural significance, and practical challenges related to herbal medicine use in multiple African countries. Findings reveal that nations such as Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda have made notable progress in establishing regulatory agencies and legislative oversight, while others, including Ethiopia, exhibit weaker governance structures. The study highlights the critical role of cultural embeddedness, with traditional medicine addressing holistic health dimensions often absent in biomedical approaches. Despite the accessibility and affordability of herbal remedies, concerns about dosage inconsistencies, contamination, and lack of standardisation persist. Furthermore, uneven institutionalisation and generational knowledge loss threaten sustainability. The review underscores the need for harmonised regulatory standards, preservation of indigenous knowledge, increased research investment, and strengthened collaboration between traditional healers and biomedical practitioners. These measures are essential to safely integrate traditional medicine into formal healthcare systems and support universal health coverage across Africa. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1059 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1057 Title: Exploring the implications of philoxenia on social cohesion between South Africans and African immigrants: empirical insights from African immigrants in Nelspruit, South Africa. Authors: Maseng, Jonathan Oshupeng.; Gabara, Gundo. Abstract: This paper explored the implications of the existence of philoxenia on Social Cohesion between South Africans and African immigrants. The researchers employed an exploratory research design, qualitative research methods, and in-depth interviews to solicit data. Interviews were conducted with 15 African immigrants over the age of 18, originating from various African nations and living in Nelspruit, South Africa. The participants represented a range of cultural backgrounds, demographics, sexual orientations, and gender identities. The findings underscored both opportunities and challenges in fostering a more inclusive society. Thus, the paper revealed that while philoxenia positively contributes to social cohesion by encouraging kindness, empathy, and mutual respect, helping African immigrants integrate into South African society, there are barriers such as cultural differences and lingering prejudices, along with structural challenges like xenophobia, which complicate the process of full integration of African immigrants. The researchers recommend that the government and other stakeholders must establish sustained efforts to overcome barriers like cultural differences and personal preferences between these two groups. This paper sheds light on the fact that, besides the general narrative of xenophobia in South Africa, there exists philoxenia, which positively contributes to social cohesion by encouraging kindness, empathy, and mutual respect, helping African immigrants integrate into South African society. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1057 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z