Academic

Digitising government procurement could curb fraud and corruption and enhance efficiency

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:21:27 +0000

Digitising government procurement could curb fraud and corruption and enhance efficiency

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/30/2025 - 08:21

Digitising manual procurement processes in government could assist in curbing corruption and bolster a culture of accountability. This is according to PhD graduate Dr Lawrence Moetapele Mojaki of the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA).

Dr Mojaki is a deputy director for supply chain management at the GPAA and recently completed his PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU).

His PhD explored the advantages of developing a digital procurement framework based on Industry 4.0 technologies for the public sector in South Africa.

“There is a need to migrate the manual procurement processes in government to digital, which has frameworks that can assist in curbing corruption in the public coffers and to make sure that there is accountability,” says Dr Mojaki, who has already written five articles from his PhD research. Three of these have been published and two are under peer review.

He notes that while governments around the world increasingly recognise the need to embrace technology in their public procurement processes, the South African government has not yet fully adopted digitisation.

Public procurement activities still rely on manual processes, which create loopholes for human interference and fraud and corruption, ultimately resulting in waste and poor service delivery.

Dr Majoki’s study explored the linkages between the internet of things, cloud computing and sustainable public procurement. He interrogated the literature on Industry 4.0 technologies in South Africa and considered various digital technologies that government can harness to improve its procurement processes.

His findings show that Industry 4.0 technologies present significant opportunities to improve public procurement systems in South Africa, while at the same time addressing sustainability by enhancing efficiency and improving preferential procurement initiatives.

The study also presented an implementation plan for a digital procurement framework that would enable full automation and cut out human error and intervention – and therefore also eliminate opportunities for fraud and corruption.

Dr Lawrence Moetapele Mojaki recently graduated with a PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration from the NWU.

Celebrating purpose, passion and progress with Khululwa Shibani

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:14:52 +0000

Celebrating purpose, passion and progress with Khululwa Shibani

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/26/2025 - 14:14

As South Africa commemorates Youth Month – a time to reflect on the courage, resilience and vision of young people – we turn the spotlight on Khululwa Nosipho Shibani. At just 29, she is not only shaping young minds as an educator at Christiana School for the Blind and Partially Sighted, but also contributing to groundbreaking community research. Her journey reflects the spirit of Youth Month: bold leadership, unwavering dedication, and a passion for building a better, more inclusive future.

Here, she shares her remarkable journey:

What did you study at the NWU?

In 2016, I enrolled for a Bachelor of Education in Senior and FET Phase at the NWU, majoring in Geography and Mathematics. I completed my studies in 2019.

What is your current profession/occupation?

I am currently an educator at Christiana School for the Blind and Partially Sighted, and a community researcher in the North West Province, assisting the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences with research focused on motherhood and albinism.

What gives you the most joy in your current position?

What I love most about my job is my learners – how extraordinary and talented they are. Discovering their abilities and unique gifts each day gives me the motivation to look forward to tomorrow.

What is your fondest memory from your time at the NWU?

My fondest memories are those I created while serving in leadership roles: hosting meaningful events, participating in them, and learning from other leaders who shared best practices. I also treasure the memories made with student political leaders, some of whom went on to serve in the Students’ Campus Council.

Apart from your studies, what are some of the most important things you learned at the NWU?

Strong leadership practices.

What inspires you?

I am most inspired by women in leadership, those who lead by example. These women have cultivated inclusive, diverse working environments in their institutions and continue to make waves, proving how great leadership can help build a strong and safe nation. The institutions they have led continue to grow and flourish. I would like to mention Ms Agnes Rasesemola, Circuit Manager of the Boitshoko Local Education Office in the Bojanala District, North West, and former Principal of Sunrise View Secondary School; and Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town.

What makes you positive about our country’s future, what doesn’t, and what would you like to change?

Our country may face many complex challenges that make it difficult to see its unique growth. Despite the rise in youth unemployment and crime, we must also recognise the positive developments in sport, academia and beyond. South Africa is home to prestigious institutions like the NWU, which are introducing programmes aimed at addressing our pressing social challenges through research. Our sportspeople are making their mark globally, showcasing their God-given talents in both sports and the arts. In recent months, our country has also stood as a symbol of peace, harmony and stability. With strong leadership, South Africa has the potential to become a powerful force on the global stage.

If you could give one message to our country’s youth on how to succeed in life, what would it be?

The youth must begin to prioritise their future – as individuals, community members and patriots. They should take the time to learn about our country’s history to better understand present-day affairs. Young people must become vocal advocates against the social ills affecting our communities and stand up to anything that hinders their progress. Those who have succeeded in their careers must take responsibility to lead – and as they rise, they must uplift others. It is time to take mental health seriously and stop relying on substances to cope. Success has no shortcuts; it demands hard work, determination and resilience. The youth should view life through the lens of reality rather than through social media filters. They must understand their purpose, knowing that we are all here for a reason and that life, ultimately, has no manual.

Khululwa Nosipho Shibani.

NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine cements future with North West Department of Health partnership

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:22:55 +0000

NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine cements future with North West Department of Health partnership

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 06/24/2025 - 14:22

The future of the North-West University’s (NWU) Desmond Tutu School of Medicine was further consolidated on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between the NWU and the North West Department of Health (NWDoH) on the university’s Potchefstroom Campus.

“It is a privilege to be able to celebrate another milestone in the establishment of our medical school,” said Prof Awie Kotzé, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

“This strategic partnership with the NWDoH will ensure that our medical students have access to the province’s medical and infrastructural resources while serving the healthcare needs of the region. It has been a long journey to reach this point, and this collaboration promises a long and successful future for the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.”

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the NWU, officially opened the proceedings by stating: “Let it be recorded in the institutional memory of all our entities that, on this day, we chose collaboration over isolation, foresight over short-sightedness, and service over self. We affirm our mutual dependence and shared destiny.”

Prof Beth Engelbrecht, Governance Lead of the medical school, noted that this date would be remembered as a significant moment in the school’s history.

“Today is a momentous occasion. Thirty years ago, on 24 June 1995, the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup for the first time, and today we are once again making history with the signing of this MoA. Right now, there are Grade 10 learners who will be able to apply for enrolment at the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine in 2028. Isn’t that just so exciting?”

The Department of Health’s Deputy Director-General, Polaki Mokatsane, expressed his gratitude to the key stakeholders who made the occasion possible, saying that the signing of the MoA symbolises a deepening of trust between all parties involved.

“The signing of this MoA will propel the NWDoH and the province forward, and I am thrilled by the opportunities that this partnership will bring,” he said.

The medical school’s project lead, Prof Binu Luke, echoed the sentiments of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, remarking that “healing is not just about science; it is also about the human touch” and that “we must never lose sight of our deep connection to others”.

The MEC for Health in the North West, Sello Lehari, stated that the signing of the MoA marks the formalisation of a shared vision, emphasising the compelling need for a medical school in the province. He described the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine as “a game changer”.

“The medical school will translate research into real-world solutions. It will bring hope, dignity, and the right to quality healthcare to the province.”

NWU Council Chairperson, Bert Sorgdrager, also reflected on a historic moment, saying: “Today, the university and the province crossed an administrative Rubicon. There is no turning back now. Congratulations!”

Struggles and shifting realities of informal traders during Covid-19 offer lessons for future crises

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:30:51 +0000

Struggles and shifting realities of informal traders during Covid-19 offer lessons for future crises MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 06/20/2025 - 13:30

By Gofaone Motsamai

When South Africa went into lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the economic impact was immediate. Informal traders – those who operate without formal registration or protection – were among the most affected. With no income, no access to trading spaces and limited government support, many were pushed into a state of deep uncertainty.

A recent master’s study by Koketso Sereo, a lecturer in philosophy at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, examines how informal traders experienced the lockdown and how they adjusted to its restrictions. The study focuses on the practical challenges they faced and their coping strategies, and what their experiences reveal about the state’s approach to informal economic activity.

The findings point to a system that failed to recognise or support this group during the crisis. Many informal traders lost stock due to spoilage or confiscation, while others faced confrontations with law enforcement. The permit system, intended to regulate trade during the lockdown, became a barrier rather than a solution.

“The inefficiencies in the permit system, combined with the absence of clear guidelines, pushed some traders to operate unlawfully – not out of choice but necessity,” says Koketso.

She found that most traders were left to rely on their own resources. Some moved their operations to their homes. Others continued trading in public spaces despite the risk of fines or arrest. These actions were not taken lightly, but were seen as the only way to earn a living in the absence of institutional support. “The government failed to support them,” Koketso states in her findings.

Why graduates and others with skills are turning to informal trade

Beyond the day-to-day struggles of informal traders, the study also highlights important shifts in who is participating in informal trade. “While previous research often highlighted women with limited education as the face of informal trading, my findings show an increasing number of men entering the space, as well as people with post-matric qualifications.”
This shift reflects a broader employment crisis, where even graduates and skilled individuals are turning to informal trade as a last resort.

“The idea that informal trading is only for the uneducated is no longer accurate,” Koketso explains. “More people are turning to it because they have few other options.”

Despite their resilience, informal traders cannot continue to navigate national crises without adequate support, she argues. Her study recommends practical policy changes such as simplified permit systems, targeted financial assistance, access to training and improved communication between the authorities and informal traders.

“The resilience of informal traders needs to be supported by responsive governance and practical interventions. We need to see informal traders as part of the economy, not outside of it.”

Her research suggests that planning for future crises must include informal traders from the start. Without that, they remain exposed to the same challenges that Covid-19 made visible.

Koketso Sereo

Teacher education project launches in Italy

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:23:32 +0000

Teacher education project launches in Italy

by Mafumane Tlhapi

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 06/20/2025 - 13:23

Florence, the Italian city made famous by Renaissance artists such as Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, is also a modern-day hub for leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

In May this year, the city ushered in a new phase in STEM teacher education as global partners gathered to launch the Erasmus+ Capacity Building project, aimed at transforming how future teachers learn and teach.

Funded by the European Union, the project is led by the North-West University (NWU) under the coordination of Prof Dorothy Laubscher, holder of the UNESCO Chair in Multimodal Learning and Educational Resources. The project’s full title is “Transforming STEM teacher education in South Africa through self-directed open educational Practices (Ted-SOEP)”.

The project’s first in-person transnational meeting on 22 and 23 May 2025 brought together STEM education specialists from institutions in South Africa and Europe.

“Our goal is to support lecturers and students by developing sustainable, open learning environments that empower all participants in the education system,” said Prof Laubscher.

Seven universities join forces

South African universities involved in the project include the NWU, UNISA, University of Pretoria, University of the Witwatersrand and Sol Plaatje University. European institutions are Pixel International Education and Training Institution based in Florence and the University of Florence in Italy, along with the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança in Portugal.

The meeting in Florence focused on developing a training package aimed at integrating open educational resources (OERs), open educational practices (OEPs) and self-directed learning into STEM teacher education. The agenda included planning national workshops and reviewing strategies for embedding open practices into existing curricula.

“Building a shared understanding of how to implement open educational approaches and self-directed learning was a central outcome of our discussions,” Prof Laubscher said.

Following the meeting, the University of Florence hosted a workshop from 26 to 30 May 2025. The workshop was held at Il Fuligno, a historical complex in the Florence city centre. This served as the site for practical sessions, academic dialogue and collaborative learning.

According to Prof Laubscher, these sessions help contextualise educational practices for local environments. “The collaboration makes real change possible.”

The workshop included contributions from various renowned academics from the University of Florence, including Prof Maria Ranieri and Prof Luigi Barletti. The workshops covered best practices, capacity-building and context-sensitive approaches to implementing OEPs and OERs in teacher training.

NWU participants in the Florence events included Prof Laubscher, Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo, Dr Annalie Roux, Dr Judicial Sebatana and Dr Sukie van Zyl. Other NWU team members involved in the broader project include Prof Chanelle Bosch, Dr Donnavan Kruger, Prof Neal Petersen and Dr Gordon Sekano.

“The project strengthens our collaborative networks and supports transformation in education,” said Prof Laubscher. “We are building something that can have lasting value.”

For more information visit the Ted-SOEP project website: www.tedsoep.org.

The NWU team that attended the transnational workshop in Florence: from left are Dr Annalie Roux, Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo, Prof Dorothy Laubscher, Dr Judicial Sebatana, and Dr Sukie van Zyl.

Student awarded coveted SASA honours bursary

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:12:38 +0000

Student awarded coveted SASA honours bursary

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 06/20/2025 - 13:12

The South African Statistical Association (SASA) has announced the winner of its 2024/25 Honours Bursary Competition. Relebohile Makhanya, a student from North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, has been awarded the bursary valued at R50 000.

The competition is open to third-year students in statistics or mathematical statistics who plan to pursue honours studies at a South African university. It aims to support academic progress and address financial need in the field.

The SASA Honours Bursary is awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement and commitment to the discipline of statistics. According to SASA, the R50 000 bursary is part of its broader efforts to support students who plan to continue with postgraduate studies.

Relebohile recently completed her BCom degree in statistics at the NWU and is currently registered for an honours degree in business statistics. She said receiving the bursary has eased the financial pressure of postgraduate study and strengthened her motivation to continue.

“I am more than grateful for this opportunity. It motivates me to keep working hard, knowing that dedication truly pays off and that the sky is the limit,” she said. “This bursary has reaffirmed my belief in the power of perseverance and self-confidence.”

Once she has completed her honours, Relebohile intends to pursue further postgraduate studies and contribute to research and professional work in business statistics.

From left are Prof Martin Chanza, Prof Volition Montshiwa, Prof Tshepiso Tsoku and Relebohile Makhanya.

QS ranks NWU among the top eight universities in South Africa

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:00:07 +0000

QS ranks NWU among the top eight universities in South Africa

by Willie du Plessis

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 06/20/2025 - 12:00

The North-West University (NWU) is firmly positioning itself as a globally engaged, innovative university committed to excellence and societal relevance. Prime examples of how the strategic priorities of the NWU align with the quest for globally relevant, sustainable solutions are the establishment and proposed establishment of three future-fit academic schools: the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, the School of Mines and Mining Engineering, and the School of Veterinary Sciences.

These and other innovative, cross-sectoral initiatives exemplify the university’s strategy – Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond – which prioritises internationalisation, partnerships and impact, among other things. This focus on strategic priorities is yielding positive results through the NWU’s consistently good performance in international rankings, cementing its reputation as a competitive, impactful global and local player and a sought-after higher-education partner.

The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings place the NWU among the top eight universities in South Africa and in the top 16 in Africa. London-based QS published its rankings for top global universities for 2026 on 19 June.

This current ranking encompasses 1 501 universities in 105 locations across the world. It considers survey responses and hard data to calculate a final score for each university. QS is the only ranking of its kind to emphasise employability and sustainability.

This year’s QS World University Rankings also introduce a new unweighted indicator called the International Student Diversity Indicator. This additional metric considers the ratio of international students to overall students and the diversity of nationalities those students represent. In this metric the NWU is in the 801+ ranking category.

These latest rankings follow the QS World University Rankings by Subject, which were published in March this year.

The Rankings by Subject placed four NWU subject groups in the top 850 globally. These are agriculture and forestry (301 to 350 category), environmental sciences (501 to 550), physics (551 to 600) and medicine (701 to 850).

Another recent ranking, released on 2 June, is the Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), which placed the NWU in the top 4,1% of global universities.

Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond

The university’s new strategy for 2024 and beyond comprises four key strategic priorities to guide the NWU in its continued quest towards excellence. These are results-orientated leadership, systems thinking and policy fluency, private-public value co-creation, and digital and green economy enablement.

According to Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for Teaching and Learning, the NWU’s continued good performance in the rankings affirms the impact of the work that NWU academics, researchers and other staff are undertaking, and that the university’s strategic focus aligns with global trends.

For more information, visit: https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/north-west-university, and for more about the NWU’s performance in various rankings, visit https://www.nwu.ac.za/rankings.

Singing your way to well-being and growth

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:36:48 +0000

Singing your way to well-being and growth

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 06/19/2025 - 07:36

Music’s power to heal, inspire and connect took centre stage during the inaugural lecture of Prof Conroy Cupido, director of the School of Music at the North-West University (NWU).

Hosted by the Faculty of Humanities at the Potchefstroom Campus on 12 June, the lecture explored the intersection of music, emotion and positive psychology.

Drawing on research and personal experience, Prof Cupido reflected on how singing supports emotional well-being, flourishing, personal growth and meaningful teaching. “Music offers us more than sound; it provides a space for reflection, connection and growth,” he said. “It allows us to understand ourselves and others through a different lens.”

The event featured live performances by students and staff from the NWU’s School of Music, blending scholarly insight with artistic expression.

The lecture positioned musical engagement as a catalyst for human flourishing, an idea grounded in Prof Cupido’s academic and professional career. “Flourishing is not a luxury, it’s an essential part of education and life,” he said.

Prof Cupido, who holds the first doctorate in vocal performance awarded to a South African, recently completed a Master of Arts in positive psychology at the NWU. His research focuses on music, well-being and the emotional dimensions of teaching and learning.

He also serves as president of the South African Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and is a board member of Cape Town Opera.

Prof Conroy Cupido.

NWU-NCU joint research seminar strengthens international collaboration

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:30:52 +0000

NWU-NCU joint research seminar strengthens international collaboration

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/18/2025 - 14:30

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) and the Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) recently hosted a successful inaugural NWU-NCU Joint Research Seminar. This milestone event represented a significant advancement in the ongoing commitment of the NWU to fostering international research partnerships and promoting its strategic goal of internationalisation.

The seminar was the outcome of collaborative efforts led by Prof Aldona Glińska-Neweś from the NCU and Prof Ephrem Redda from the WorkWell Research Unit at the NWU. Their joint leadership, supported by both institutions, was instrumental in the development and coordination of this new academic platform that holds great promise for future scholarly engagement.

Reflecting on the importance of such initiatives, Prof Crizelle Els, director of the WorkWell Research Unit at the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU, emphasised that international academic collaboration is essential for meaningful and impactful research. “This seminar represents more than just a partnership between two institutions – it reflects our shared vision of producing impactful, globally relevant research through collaboration,” she said. “We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for joint publications, interdisciplinary engagement and the development of future research leaders.”

Earlier this year, an invitation was extended to NWU researchers to explore collaborative opportunities with colleagues at the NCU in Toruń, Poland. This invitation led to the identification and alignment of multiple research areas, laying a solid foundation for interdisciplinary collaboration. During the seminar, two presentations were delivered, showcasing the diversity and complementarity of expertise between the participating institutions. Prof Rafał Haffer from the NCU gave a presentation on the impact of the extent of process ordering in the workplace on employee attitudes and behaviour. His presentation was followed by that of Prof Bouwer Jonker from the NWU, who explored the influence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the attitudes and behaviours required of automotive assembly employees.

Prof Els said the seminar served as a dynamic forum for scholarly exchange, offering a platform to explore future joint research opportunities.

“Discussions following the presentations revealed several promising areas for collaboration, including joint publications, student exchange initiatives, and collaborative grant applications,” she explained.

Looking ahead, Prof Els said further joint activities are already being planned, and encouraged faculty members to continue exploring the possibilities outlined in the matched research areas. She added that

this collaboration between the NWU and the NCU was a vital step in building a globally engaged research community and advancing the university’s vision of international academic excellence.

Addressing corporate reporting issues in South Africa

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 13:08:19 +0000

Addressing corporate reporting issues in South Africa

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 06/17/2025 - 15:08

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles have become essential to modern business operations, marking a significant shift in the corporate responsibility landscape. In South Africa, this transition brings with it unique challenges and opportunities, particularly for corporations that are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

Prof Neels Kilian from the Finance, Trade and Innovation (FTI) research group at the Faculty of Law has dedicated his work to understanding and addressing the legal challenges surrounding the application of ESG principles.

An inconclusive structure

At the core of South Africa’s ESG issues lies a fundamental legal gap, Prof Kilian explains. “South Africa does not have comprehensive legislation that fully addresses all aspects of ESG matters. As a result of this absence, businesses have to negotiate a complicated web of conflicting standards and expectations.”

The JSE has tried to close this gap by creating its own set of ESG criteria, which businesses are required to include in their integrated reporting. According to Prof Kilian, this approach has brought about new issues of its own.

"The JSE's ESG metrics are not aligned with those of other global stock exchanges," he says. “When we look at overseas comparisons, like the CAC 40 ESG Index of the Paris Stock Exchange, which employs completely different ESG parameters for its top 40 listed companies, this misalignment becomes problematic.”

This inconsistency causes confusion for investors and companies, and Prof Kilian says, “This could be addressed by introducing legislation in South Africa that standardises ESG metrics across the JSE, asset managers and ESG rating agencies.”

Area of focus

Prof Kilian's research focuses on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, one of the most controversial topics on ESG reporting. His work compares reporting practices in the United States, the European Union and South Africa and it identifies gaps in the calculation and publication of emissions data. Companies report their emissions in accordance with the GHG Protocol, which divides emissions into three categories – Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (indirect from purchased electricity), and Scope 3 (indirect from supply chains and other external activities).

“Theoretically, businesses that utilise financial or internet services ought to be able to figure out the number of emissions they produce.” Prof Kilian cites the King reports and the Companies Act of 2008 as the legal framework that oversees corporate governance and ESG.

Further, stakeholders must put policies in place that confirm the accuracy of ESG disclosures and make sure they go beyond simple PR campaigns. “If the data is inaccurate, it can lead to regulatory breaches and mislead investors,” says Prof Kilian.

Action against greenwashing

In support of structural reforms in corporate governance, Prof Kilian recommends that businesses establish at least a green or environmental committee, separate from their current audit and ethics committees.

"A committee of this kind would be more equipped to interact with ESG rating agencies to ensure transparency.” He warns that rating agencies can manipulate the weighting of ESG factors to make a business appear more compliant than it actually is. He states that a specialised committee would reveal the precise environmental considerations involved and highlight any suspicious greenwashing in financial statements.

The challenge of implementing international ESG standards in the South African context requires careful consideration of local economic realities. "A company considered ESG-compliant in one country by complying with the relevant rules or legislation that country may be deemed non-compliant when assessed against the standards of another country," says Prof Kilian.

In an effort to bridge this gap, the JSE is drawing inspiration from other UN accords, such as the UN Global Compact, which outlaw’s child and slave labour. "It may be unrealistic to expect South African companies to fully comply with international minimum emission thresholds across all three scopes, given the country's unique economic challenges," states Prof Kilian.

A way forward

Prof Kilian’s research highlights a thorough comprehension of ESG concepts that goes beyond simple compliance. He urges investors and businesses to adopt a holistic approach to understanding ESG.

“ESG is still highly complicated, especially because of the impact of UN instruments that support international consistency and add to ESG factors.”

Prof Neels Kilian