University of Zululand

We investigate the influence of Zinc (Zn) proportion on the structural, morphological and optical properties of Zinc doped Lead iodide (Zn–PbI 2 ). The doped precursors were synthesed by adding varying amount of Zinc acetate to Lead iodide from 2 % to 6 %. The X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the peaks positions slightly shifted towards high 2theta for Zn–PbI 2 . The film surfaces were improved with Zn incorporation and the thickness slight increases from 472.440 nm for PbI 2 –474.445 nm for 4 % Zn–PbI 2 . A noticeable decrease in the ratio of Pb–Zn from 2.7:1 for PbI 2 to 2.2:1 for the 4 % doped sample was observed. The lowest value (22.494 nm) of the root mean square roughness was observed in the 4 % doped sample. It was observed that the doped samples exhibit a blue shift in the major peaks of the photoluminescence intensity from 524 nm for PbI 2 to 519 nm. The energy gap was observed to decrease from 2.63 eV for 0 % Zn–PbI 2 –2.42 eV 4 % Zn–PbI 2 sample. The absorbance, reflectance, extinction coefficient and imaginary part of dielectric constant were found to have their peak intensities when 4 % Zn was added to PbI 2 .While transmittance, refractive index and real part of dielectric constant were found to have their least intensities when 4 % Zn was added. The 4 % doped sample was observed to be the most suitable material for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications due to its outstanding properties.

Soil samples were collected from the Mooifontein gold tailings in the west of Johannesburg. In this study, a coaxial HPGe $$\gamma $$-spectroscopy system was used to measure the $$\gamma $$ -signals emitted by the soil samples. In some areas of Soweto, particularly Riverlea, residents complain about the irritating yellow dust from gold tailings being blown into their homes during the windy season. The radioactivity concentration was assessed, followed by an evaluation of comprehensive radiological indices. The mean activity concentrations, in descending order, were 226U, 226Ra, 40K, and 232Th, with values of 309.27 ± 37.00, 271.81 ± 14.02, 113.34 ± 20.80, and 8.25 ± 1.31 Bq/kg, respectively. The radiological indices exceed globally recommended values. The Pearson correlation showed that the 226Ra distribution in the samples is controlled by changing the 226U specific activity. Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and the radiological health hazard parameters were analysed to identify similarities and correlations among the various samples. The Pearson correlation showed that the 226Ra distribution in the samples was independent of 232Th and 40K concentration due to their poor correlation. The specific activity of 40K was higher than that of 232Th, even though it was below the global average. For both 226U and 40K, their specific activities can be attributed to the geological formation in the area. The gold tailings may present a serious long-term health danger to the local community because these indices are higher than what is advised, and the soil should never be used for building.

The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) is one of the food security programmes of the South African government that strives to provide proper nutrition meals to all public primary and secondary school learners nationwide. To implement the programme, NSNP hires food handlers to prepare and deliver meals to students on a daily basis. However, in terms of public sector human resource management, it is unclear how these food handlers are recruited and hired into the programme. This paper aimed at assessing the recruitment practices of food handlers into the NSNP. The paper employed qualitative research methodology using semi-structured interviews and documentary review as two data collection methods. Moreover, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) Johannesburg North District was chosen as a case study for the research strategy. The study reviewed pertinent literature, conducted semi-structured interviews to collect data. The data was analysed using thematic content analysis in order to qualitatively examine the data gathered. The paper's findings demonstrated that the GDE has a plan in place to oversee the NSNP's food handler recruitment practices, and that plan is spelt out in detail in their advising memorandum on the subject. Nevertheless, the study found that the approach does not align with the principles and practices of Public Human Resource Management (PHRM). According to the findings, the NSNP lacks a defined recruitment policy that would govern its hiring practices. It was found that there are challenges in the recruitment process. Finally, this paper offered recommendations for improved recruitment practices for food handlers.

This study seeks to establish how financial leverage mediates the relationship between corporate governance and the financial performance of 58 carbon-intensive firms listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange over the period 2015–2023. This study employed the two-step system generalised method of moments to address endogeneity issues. The results indicate that leverage negatively impacts a firm’s financial performance, but leverage does not mediate the relationship between corporate governance and a firm’s financial performance in carbon-intensive firms. The results of the study also reveal that board remuneration negatively influences a firm’s financial performance, yet board independence has an insignificant impact on firm performance. These results underscore the need for carbon-intensive companies to reassess their remuneration policies to ensure alignment with short-term financial benefits and long-term sustainability initiatives. The findings also suggest that sustainability projects financed predominantly by debt may negatively impact short-term financial performance, indicating the importance of a balanced capital structure during the decarbonisation process.

The increasing student enrolments in universities accounting programmes has exacerbated the difficulty of providing timely, personalised and pedagogically meaningful feedback to student. Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools including ChatGPT offer new opportunities to automate and scale student feedback processes, however, questions remain regarding their educational validity, contextual relevance and disciplinary reliability. This study reviews literature on how structured GenAI prompting frameworks can improve the quality, accuracy and ethical grounding of AI-generated feedback in large accounting classes. Using PRISMA 2020 guideline, 26 reviewed articles were extracted from Scopus and ScienceDirect. The study proposes the CLEAR-RAP guided GenAI feedback models to ensure that feedback remains rubric-aligned, context-sensitive and pedagogically coherent. Based on review a GenAI prompting template is also proposed to operationalise this framework for classroom application, supporting transparent, personalise and timely feedback that complements teacher judgement. The findings underscore that well-designed prompt can address the gap between AI automation and instructional intent, supporting ethical and effective human-AI collaboration in assessment. This study advances prompting engineering as pedagogical methodology by offering a replicable framework and template adaptable across disciplines.

This study aimed to evaluate the marketing strategies used to promote library and information services in public libraries in Eswatini. Specifically, the study sought to: (1) identify the information products and services offered by these libraries, (2) establish the marketing strategies employed to promote information products and services, and (3) assess the effectiveness of these strategies in enhancing user engagement. The study adopted a positivist paradigm and employed a quantitative research approach, using questionnaires containing closed-ended questions as the primary data collection instrument. A total of sixteen questionnaires were completed by librarians from the Mbabane Public Library, while nine questionnaires were completed by librarians from the Manzini Public Library. The collected data were analysed using Microsoft Excel, with findings presented through tables and figures. The study revealed that public libraries in Eswatini offer a range of information services, including lending, reservation, translation, reference, referral, and children’s library services. The information products provided include printed books, newspapers, magazines, and government gazettes. Regarding marketing strategies, the study found that Eswatini public libraries employ several approaches to promote their information products and services. These strategies include organising trainings, seminars, and workshops to educate librarians on marketing practices; creating and maintaining library web pages; providing electronic access to information; enhancing interpersonal relationships between staff and users; conducting one-on-one discussions with users; having representatives participate in institutional functions; advertising through print and electronic media; promoting staff friendliness towards users; providing suggestion boxes; and ensuring that librarians are appropriately attired. The study recommended a need to have a library website and maintain it. A well-designed website serves as a crucial marketing tool, providing users with easy access to information about library services.

Artificial Intelligence has revolutionised education and presents teachers with notable opportunities for advancing inclusive education. This chapter explores current trends in AI technologies and the application in supporting teachers in the Southern African Development Community, to effectively assist learners with diverse learning needs. Educational institutions are continuing to explore the value of digital tools creating greater recognition for AI-driven platforms as classroom resources. This chapter outlines the definitions of critical terminology and the theoretical background. A literature review examines relevant literature available on subsequent issues: current trends in the application of artificial intelligence; application of artificial intelligence for the teaching and learning of learners with special learning needs and challenges experienced by teachers, To conclude, the authors discuss possible recommendations for teachers to consider when implementing artificial intelligence for the use with learners with special education needs, in inclusive education classrooms.

This paper applies Amartya Sen’s entitlement approach as a lens for analysing food security within the South African democratic context. Based on multiple disciplinary perspectives and an entitlement approach as a lens, the paper examines how the country’s political and economic structures influence individuals’ capability to access food and secure entitlements in a post-apartheid society. A systematic literature review was conducted across six electronic databases to locate peer-reviewed English-language literature published between 1981 and 2022. Despite South Africa’s political and economic developments, individuals in households continue to struggle to meet their basic needs. This limitation, particularly the lack of access to quality food, is mainly attributed to persistent unequal distribution and control over services, assets and resources. The paper argues that South Africa’s neoliberal democratic orientation often reduces food insecurity to an individual peril rather than a social phenomenon, which subsequently overlooks the broader structural and social dimensions. The paper concludes that a state has a role to address the food insecurity challenge by implementing context-specific, micro-level interventions that enhance individuals’ access to food as a social right. The paper advocates for an inclusive approach in designing and implementing interventions intended to enhance food security at the household level.