https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/2 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:15:21 GMT 2026-10-14T22:15:21Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1123 Title: The impact of liquidity and leverage on the financial performance of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed consumer goods firms. Authors: Khoza, Floyd. Abstract: Understanding the role of liquidity and leverage is crucial in assessing financial performance, particularly in the consumer goods sector. This study examined the impact of liquidity and leverage on financial performance, using a sample of 13 consumer goods firms listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) from 2014 to 2024. Despite the present literature on this association, few traceable studies have investigated this phenomenon, and there is a dearth of literature in this sector. The dependent variable for this study was financial performance, and the return on assets (ROA) was employed as a proxy for financial performance. The independent variables employed for this study were liquidity (LIQ), leverage (LEV), and the quadratic term of leverage (LEV2). However, Net profit margin (NPM), inventory turnover (INVT), average collection period (ACP), firm size (FS), and its quadratic term (FS2) were the control variables. The researcher performed the Durbin–Wu–Hausman test, the Breusch–Pagan LM test, redundant fixed effect testing, the Hausman test, and the panel heteroskedasticity LR test before employing the suitable model. After employing the panel least squares (PLS), the fixed effects (FE) model was considered appropriate and efficient for this study. Applying the model, the researcher found a statistically significant and positive impact of LIQ, LEV2, NPM, and FS2 on ROA. Furthermore, a statistically significant and negative impact of ACP on ROA. However, the impact of LEV and FS was negative and statistically insignificant on ROA. Furthermore, the impact of INVT on ROA was statistically positive and insignificant. To improve the financial performance of the firms efficiently, this study recommends that financial managers of consumer goods firms should pay special attention to maintaining and monitoring a healthy liquidity ratio and implement sound working capital management. Furthermore, integrate the strategic liquidity planning into their financial decision-making. The findings highlight that while a moderate level of leverage might not increase financial performance, a strategic increase in debt to a certain optimal level can improve the financial performance of a firm. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1123 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1122 Title: Water security in Southern Africa : addressing climate change, governance failures, and infrastructure challenges through adaptive solutions. Authors: Mokone, Neo. Abstract: Water security is a major challenge in Southern Africa where climate change, weak governance, and aging infrastructure threaten sustainable water access. The paper aims to assess the state of water security in Southern Africa and highlight adaptive strategies for sustainable management. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020), the paper synthesize existing research on water availability, climate change, infrastructure, and governance focusing on Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Findings reveal significant inequalities in water access: rural households face unreliable and unsafe supplies, while urban systems are strained by population growth. Climate-induced droughts and floods intensify scarcity, threatening agriculture, energy, and health. Poor institutional coordination and limited investment further constrain effective water management. Women in rural areas bear unequal water collection burdens, deepening inequities. The paper calls for sound water governance and investment in climate-resilient infrastructure. It also advocates for regional cooperation and gender-inclusive policies to ensure fair and sustainable water access. By consolidating fragmented literature, it contributes actionable insights for policy and resilience planning. Its implications extend to guide policymakers in developing adaptive, fair, and long-term water management strategies in response to growing climate and socio-economic pressures. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1122 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1121 Title: Enhancing the Shambe Sonke programme : addressing communication, implementation, and public-private partnerships for effective poverty alleviation. Authors: Naidoo, Devashree. Abstract: This article analyses the Shambe Sonke Programme (SSP) in South Africa, a poverty alleviation initiative aimed at generating income and fostering economic independence through infrastructure maintenance and community engagement in rural regions. This paper employs qualitative research methodology to examine communication practices, challenges, and regional implementation disparities within the SSP, concentrating on three provinces: KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Eastern Cape. Data were collected via interviews with officials from the Department of Transport (DoT) and focus groups involving SSP contractors, predominantly African men and women, utilising content analysis based on Giddens’ Structuration Theory. The findings indicate substantial communication deficiencies between the Department of Transportation and SSP contractors, impeding the contractors' comprehension of program objectives, eligibility criteria, and accessible economic opportunities. The absence of communication hinders contractors' capacity to leverage SSP resources for income generation, thereby limiting the program's efficacy in poverty alleviation. The study identifies regional disparities in the impact of SSP, noting that KwaZulu-Natal’s Zibambele subprogram demonstrates superior outcomes attributed to proactive support systems and robust publicprivate partnerships (PPPs), which furnish contractors with resources for small-scale farming and business initiatives. Delayed payments and insufficient training in Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape hinder contractors' economic mobility. The study advocates for the enhancement of communication channels, the development of localised implementation strategies, and the improvement of public-private partnerships across provinces to achieve more consistent outcomes in the SSP. The findings highlight the necessity for flexible, community-focused strategies in public programs and collaborative partnerships as essential avenues for effective poverty alleviation. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1121 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1120 Title: Why are women still underrepresented in leadership roles at South African higher education institutions? : a systematic literature review. Authors: Sokani, Andani. Abstract: This study employs a qualitative systematic literature review to examine the barriers and opportunities for women’s leadership in academia, with a particular focus on South African higher education. Secondary data were sourced from peer-reviewed journal articles, books, dissertations, and opinion pieces, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of existing research. A total of 130 studies were reviewed, with data collected and analysed using qualitative content and thematic analysis methods. The findings highlight persistent structural, cultural, and institutional barriers that hinder women's advancement in academic leadership. These include gender bias in recruitment and promotion, the absence of mentorship and support networks, challenges in achieving work-life balance, and the intersectionality of race and gender, which disproportionately affects Black women. Despite the progress made through gender equity policies, the slow pace of transformation within male-dominated academic institutions remains a significant obstacle. However, the study also identifies key opportunities for women in leadership, such as the implementation of gender equity initiatives, the strengthening of mentorship programmes, and the increasing recognition of diverse and inclusive leadership styles within universities. Institutional commitment to gender transformation, alongside global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), presents a pathway for women to attain leadership positions. The study stresses the need for continued institutional reforms that challenge traditional gender norms, foster mentorship, and promote work-life balance policies to achieve sustainable gender equity in academic leadership. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1120 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z