Abstract: Over the years the football industry has revolutionized into a modernized game through social media platforms (Wang, Cheng, and Sun 2021: 102). Social media platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) have been used globally among soccer stars, fans, and football clubs to engage in communication (Weimar, Holthoff, and Biscacia 2020: 335). It is evident that communication plays an integral role in the sporting industry. Nairaine (2019: 223), adds that football clubs are now exposed to advanced technology opportunities resulting from the development of social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, etc. This paper aimed to establish how social media is used as a communication tool within the KwaZulu-Natal football industry. Three selected football teams where investigated in terms of how they used social media platforms to build and maintain relationships with their stakeholders. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study. The findings indicated that social media has become an integral part everyday life. Social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram have transformed communication practices globally, thereby making it easier for the sports teams to engage with their stakeholders. This study further highlights that football clubs also adopted social media as a communication tool to engage with and to disseminate information to their fans and stakeholders. Despite possible barriers may exist when using social media platforms, research has shown that it serves as a powerful tool when addressing social issues and fostering communication with stakeholders. The study suggests that soccer clubs should be constant with their social media posts and ensure that a social media strategy is developed and managed by the respective soccer clubs.

Abstract: This paper explores the challenges and opportunities of collaborative work with colleagues across the globe in a community of practice. The rise of technology and globalization has made it easier for professionals to collaborate with colleagues from different parts of the world. However, this also comes with its own set of challenges. The paper discusses the challenges such as time zone differences, cultural barriers, and communication issues that may arise when working with colleagues from different parts of the world. It also highlights the opportunities such as diverse perspectives, knowledge sharing, and cross-cultural learning that can be gained from collaborative work in a global community of practice. The theoretical framework is based on the concept of communities of practice, which emphasizes the importance of social learning and knowledge sharing within a group of individuals who are united by a common interest or profession. The paper delves into how collaborative work within a community of practice can lead to the development of new ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions to complex problems.

Abstract: Organisations are increasingly multicultural due to globalisation and migration trends. Intercultural communication, crucial in diverse workplaces, involves exchanging messages among employees from different cultural backgrounds. This can lead to varied interpretations of verbal and non-verbal cues, particularly in regions with high immigration rates, posing communication challenges. Cultural barriers can hinder smooth operations and contribute to less inclusive work environments. Therefore, addressing cultural communication barriers is crucial as they directly impact organisational effectiveness. This study aimed to investigate cultural barriers among employees at a local radio station in Durban. A quantitative research approach was employed, and structured questionnaires were distributed to all 55 employees at the radio station. A response rate of 82% was attained as 45 employees participated. The findings highlighted language barriers, instances of racism, cultural stereotyping, ethnocentrism, and nonverbal communication issues as prominent challenges. Language barriers were particularly prevalent, with respondents frequently experiencing difficulties in verbal communication. To mitigate these challenges, practical recommendations include fostering patience among employees, promoting understanding of diverse perspectives, encouraging open communication, enhancing language proficiency, and cultivating empathy. Emphasising essential communication skills like active listening and respectful dialogue in diverse settings is crucial for improving intercultural interactions and workplace inclusivity.

Abstract: The agricultural sector, worldwide, is viewed as the vehicle that can take developing countries to the next level of development as it promises not only to deliver food security but also poverty alleviation, employment creation as well as economic growth. Contemporary literature suggests that this can be achieved when smallholder and subsistence farmers move from their current levels of farming and grow into Agripreneurship. One of the most powerful strategies that the agricultural sector relies on to achieve agricultural productivity, rural development and economic growth is the Agricultural Extension Services (AESs). It can then be argued that the AESs have a huge role to play in ensuring farmers’ growth and development from just agriculture to Agripreneurship. Little has been done towards investigating the role of the AESs in Agripreneurship. This paper was aimed at examining the role of the AESs towards helping farmers develop from agriculture to Agripreneurship. Journal articles, books and published reports by the Department of Agriculture were extensively reviewed. Results show that AESs has a strong potential in influencing farmers to advance from agriculture to Agripreneurship. These can be achieved when facilitation changes from farming only for food to farming for profits through knowledge and information transfer. This implies that facilitation and communication skills and models must be innovative to ensure that the youths are carried alongside. It is also of paramount importance that the farmers’ support be coined with incentives for farmers willing to advance from just agriculture to Agripreneurship. Farmers also have a role of maintaining good track of record keeping to accessing financial assistance for their agribusinesses. Therefore, it is recommended that government interventions be focused towards Agripreneurship at its most and reduced concentration on just agriculture. Future studies can explore the dimensions of Agripreneurship on poverty alleviation and employment creation, especially, for the youths.

Abstract: This article explores the beginning phase of isiZulu folktales. This phase will be discussed based on the views of Propp and Olrik, who are folklore theorists. For the sake of clarity on the theories, their explanation will not be limited to the views of these theorists on the beginning phase, but they will be discussed comprehensively, and have the application effected on the phase under scrutiny. These theorists are selected, as their ideas are applicable to the folktales to be analysed. Consideration will also be made of the combined approaches of the theorists. The folktales to be considered are ‘UNanana Nendlovu’, ‘Abafo Ababili’, ‘KwaNtunjambili’, and ‘Ukuqinela Amazimuzimu’, all found in Nkosi and Zama’s Kanisamili Zimpondo. These folktales are selected, as the beginning phase is depicted very vividly in them, and they lend themselves clearly to the ideas of the above theorists. The subtopics of this discourse are introduction, Propp’s approach, Olrik’s Laws, combined approaches, and conclusion.

Abstract: Space technology has a huge potential to provide valuable support through applications and satellite communication, reliable data and accurate information for informed decision-making concerning sustainable tourism especially around fragile world heritage sites and ecotourism potential. Earth observation from space is a cost-effective way of obtaining unbiased and essential data on the physical world and will allow decision-makers to use this information to understand trends, evaluate needs, and create sustainable development policies and programmes for society. This study is therefore aimed at assessing efforts by various stakeholders in space technology and tourism sectors for communities to yield the benefits of this integration. This study adopted a qualitative and quantitative approach, and it was sampled from 150 stakeholders and commuters within the Zululand District Municipality. The study discovered that there are little to no efforts made to integrate space technology to achieve sustainable tourism in the district. These findings necessitate reasonable interventions to achieve the desired outcomes. Therefore, several recommendations accompanied by a model were made. This model can be used to align and integrate the relationship between space technology and tourism sectors to create tourism sustainability in Zululand. It will add to the body of literature on the potential of space technology that could assist public and private sectors in developing better initiatives for tourism sustainability.

Abstract: The study serves as a follow-up investigation into the implementation of the eThekwini Municipality Military Veterans Policy 2015, prompted by recurrent protests and disturbances in Durban by military veterans. These protests stem from dissatisfaction with the Department of Military Veterans' (DMV) perceived failure to adequately address the needs of military liberation veterans. The article delves into the frustrations experienced by military veterans in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and explores the underlying factors contributing to these sentiments. Drawing on the path dependency theory as a theoretical framework, the study examines empirical evidence concerning the Military Veterans' Policy within the eThekwini Municipality. It suggests potential pathways forward to address these challenges and concludes by attributing the implementation crisis primarily to shortcomings in the behavior of public sector officials, rather than solely attributing it to the structural framework of the public sector bureaucracy. The article underscores the necessity for critical reforms in public sector administration, emphasizing the importance of addressing organic human behavior as a paramount concern.