University of Mpumalanga

Storytelling has long been recognised as a powerful tool inearly childhood education, captivating children’s imaginationswhile fostering essential developmental skills. This qualitativestudy explored how storytelling techniques enhanced cognitive,emotional, and social development among young children at a preschoolin the rural community of Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga, SouthAfrica. Mavuba Pre-school is a pseudonym assigned to protect theidentity and anonymity of the participating school.The study involved seven practitioners and twenty children,focusing on integrating storytelling into daily teaching practicesto create more engaging and compelling learning experiences.Grounded in Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, which highlightsthe role of language and social interaction in learning, the studyemployed a participatory action research (PAR) approach. Thisapproach enabled practitioners to serve as co-researchers, sharing their experiences, challenges, and insights as they collaboratively refined storytelling techniques. A series of workshops and practical training sessions supported practitioners’ professional development, especially valuable given that many lacked formal early childhood training. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and group discussions with both practitioners and children to capture multiple perspectives on the impact of storytelling in the classroom. Findings revealed that storytelling significantly strengthened children’s cognitive abilities, language development, and socioemotional competencies, while also fostering culturally grounded learning that reflected the community’s indigenous knowledge systems. The study contributes meaningful value to early childhood education, offering practical, context-specific strategies that practitioners can implement to create inclusive, child-centred learning environments. Furthermore, it enriches existing literature by documenting grassroots storytelling practices in a rural South African context. It demonstrates how storytelling can serve as a transformative pedagogical tool that enhances teaching and fosters a lasting love of learning among young children.

The extensive use and production of chemical fertilizers poses a threat to the environment. Smallholder farmers in South Africa are characterized by low productivity. The adoption of sustainable agricultural practices such as the use of organic fertilizer is crucial. Although there have been studies on the adoption of organic fertilizer, the socio-economic factors determining the farmer’s willingness to pay remain unclear. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the factors that affect willingness to pay for organic fertilizers by smallholder vegetable farmers. The study was arranged as a cross-sectional design where the data was collected using structured questionnaires from 131 randomly selected registered smallholder vegetable farmers. The collected data was analyzed using both descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model. The findings revealed that 61.83% of farmers were female and 38.17% male. In addition, the findings also indicate that 61.83% of the farmers were adults above the age of 35. Furthermore, the findings revealed that 70.23% of the farmers were willing to pay for organic fertilizers, suggesting a demand for organic fertilizers. The binary logistic results show that level of education (0.071), amount spent on fertilizer (0.043), and if challenges were encountered when using organic fertilizers (0.044), were positively influencing WTP, increasing WTP for organic fertilizers. These findings conclude that education is a major barrier in WTP for organic fertilizers. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers are educated on the benefits of organic fertilizers and procedures of application, including curing or organic manure for safe application in the field. Due to the high percentage of farmers willing to pay for organic fertilizers, it is recommended that organic fertilizers be commercialized for a stable supply to meet demand.

The complex nexus between environmental taxation and food security is gaining attention in the SSA context. Notwithstanding, policy outcomes remain low and require intervention. This research gap is critical given that SSA continues to struggle with intense food insecurity, driven by climatic shocks, weak infrastructure, and socio-political instability. This study investigates the complex nexus between environmental taxation and food security in SSA with a novel emphasis on gender equity as a moderating factor. Drawing on a balanced panel dataset of 15 SSA nations from 2006 to 2024, the study employs robust econometric techniques including fixed effects (with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors), fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), and panel generalized methods of moments (GMM) to estimate the direct and interaction effects of environmental taxation and gender parity on two core aspects of food security: food availability and food accessibility. Results show that environmental taxation positively impacts food availability when isolated. When moderated with gender equity, the interaction (EGGI) significantly alters the direction and strength of the relationship across models. Specifically, the mediating effect of gender equity enhances food accessibility but reduces food availability, suggesting a slight trade-off in policy design. These findings carry critical implications for policymakers: SSA governments should adopt a policy of revenue earmarking, allocating a predetermined share of environmental tax revenues to gender-responsive agricultural investments.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita (Kofold and White) Chitwood) are among the most damaging pests affecting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production globally, leading to significant yield losses. Conventional control using synthetic nematicides is increasingly constrained due to environmental, health, and regulatory concerns, highlighting the need for safe and sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the nematicidal potential of Morus alba L. (mulberry) leaf extracts and their effects on tomato growth parameters under controlled experimental conditions. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, phenols, glycosides, tannins, and terpenoids, indicating strong bioactivity. Treatments consisted of varying extract application rates (5–25 g/plant) applied either before or after nematode inoculation. Results showed that application of mulberry extracts significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced nematode population densities and improved plant growth compared to untreated controls. The 15 g treatment applied before nematode inoculation produced the most pronounced suppression of nematode juveniles and eggs, coupled with enhanced root and stem growth. These effects are attributed to the phytochemical constituents of the extract, which may interfere with nematode metabolism and reproduction while promoting plant vigour. The findings suggest that M. alba extracts possess promising nematicidal potential and can be developed as eco-friendly biocontrol agents for sustainable tomato production.

South Africa’s shift to renewable energy has been characterised by significant structural changes, primarily through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), which achieved considerable capacity by 2016. Although this green transition aligns with environmental and economic goals, gender inequities persist in labour market outcomes, particularly in technical and leadership positions. This study examines the short- and long-term impacts of renewable energy investments and important socioeconomic elements on female labour force participation (FLFP) in South Africa. Applying a bounds testing approach based on a semi-annual autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, this analysis utilises data from 2003 to 2022. It includes factors such as renewable energy investments, the share of green jobs, GDP per capita, and access to modern energy services. The results indicate a statistically significant long-term equilibrium relationship. Increased renewable energy investments align with increases in FLFP, and the growth of green jobs further boosts women’s workforce participation. GDP per capita additionally has a positive impact, highlighting the macroeconomic advantages of inclusive growth. On the contrary, access to existing energy services shows a statistically insignificant negative relationship with FLFP, suggesting that merely expanding infrastructure may not effectively tackle gendered labour disparities. This study adds to the field of energy economics by providing a gender-segregated empirical evaluation and by suggesting policy actions to foster a more inclusive and fair energy transition in South Africa.

This study investigated the impact of pricing strategies on the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study employed a quantitative research approach and sampled 132 SMEs operating in a municipality in South Africa. A self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire was tested for reliability and validity and thereafter used to collect data from the respondents. This study employed simple linear regression analysis and performed the reliability test. In this study, the data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that SMEs primarily used cost-plus, value-based, and competitor-based pricing strategies. However, frequently modifying prices in response to market competition and technological advancements improves business performance. The study found a significant and positive relationship between pricing strategies and growth. Furthermore, a positive and significant nexus between pricing strategies and the sustainability of the SMEs. The practical implication of this study informs the SME managers and owners that SMEs that apply strategic and market-oriented pricing practices are more likely to achieve improved performance outcomes. The study, therefore, emphasises the importance of effective pricing in promoting both growth and long-term sustainability among SMEs. The findings of this study are expected to persuade the SMEs to pay crucial attention to the pricing strategies implemented in the business.

Mimusops zeyheri, commonly known as the Transvaal red milkwood, is a culturally and ecologically significant wild fruit tree native to southern Africa. This study investigated ethnomedicinal uses and conservation challenges associated with M. zeyheri in Gutshwa village, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Information was collected through semi-structured questionnaires during various interview sessions with 58 participants. Demographic variables, including age, gender, and education, were recorded to provide context for participant profiles. The study results highlighted that M. zeyheri is predominantly used for skin conditions and wound care (32%). In comparison, a smaller percentage (15%) of participants reported using it to treat pain and inflammation, reproductive health issues, and respiratory problems. Oral administration was the most cited method (55%), followed by topical application (20%). Fruits (35%) and leaves (22%) were the plant parts most frequently cited, reflecting community preferences rooted in long-standing ethnomedicinal traditions. High fidelity levels (FL) were observed for the treatment of painful gums (64%) and blood pressure management (44%), indicating strong cultural consensus on the effectiveness of these uses and the central role of M. zeyheri in local healthcare practices. Conservation concerns were underscored by threats such as land expansion (31%), wildfires (28%), and overharvesting (23%), which are perceived to impact the local distribution of the species severely. Despite these challenges, the participants demonstrate substantial knowledge of ethnomedicine and sustainable harvesting techniques. These findings underscore the ecological, cultural, and medicinal importance of M. zeyheri, highlighting the urgent need for conservation strategies. Promoting community-based sustainable harvesting and integrating traditional knowledge into modern healthcare systems could protect this species while preserving its socio-economic and ecological value. Further pharmacological research is warranted to validate its bioactive properties and therapeutic potential.

Strengthening research capacity in Africa is vital for tackling pressing health, educational and socioeconomic challenges facing the continent. At the core of this effort is the cultivation of innovative research leaders through postgraduate training programmes that incorporate mentorship-infused supervision. Such models have demonstrated potential in improving research skills, boosting academic productivity and fostering leadership development among emerging scholars. This systematic review and meta-synthesis protocol aims to examine existing mentorship-infused supervision practices across African higher education institutions. The review seeks to identify effective models, uncover common challenges and barriers, and generate evidence-based recommendations to develop sustainable, contextually relevant strategies. Insights from this work will inform policies and practices to enhance postgraduate research training, advance research leadership and contribute to the broader goal of strengthening research ecosystems across Africa. A systematic review and thematic meta-synthesis will be undertaken, focusing on qualitative research studies as well as the qualitative components of mixed-methods studies. Relevant studies published in English will be identified through a comprehensive search strategy. The electronic databases, including Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, African Journals Online, EMBASE and CINAHL, will be searched to capture a wide range of peer-reviewed articles and grey literature. Databases will be searched from March 2026. Two reviewers will independently perform study selection, data extraction, quality assessment and evaluation of risk of bias, using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. This systematic review and meta-synthesis will analyse publicly available literature and does not require ethical approval, as it involves no primary data collection. It will adhere to established ethical and methodological standards, including proper citation and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The findings will be widely disseminated through open-access journal publication, conference presentations and targeted reports for universities, research institutions and policymakers to inform and support mentorship-based postgraduate research supervision across Africa. CDR420251049878. Available from https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251049878.