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Type of the article: Research Article Audit committees are key in corporate reporting, ensuring credibility through internal controls, assurance processes, and risk management. This study examines the relationship between audit committee characteristics and Environmental, Social, and Governance reporting quality among the top 100 Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed corporations. Using agency and legitimacy theories, the study analyzes how audit committees serve as mechanisms for lowering information asymmetries and attaining legitimacy through transparent Environmental, Social, and Governance reporting. It focuses on three audit committee attributes: independence, meeting frequency, and average age. Panel data regression models using Ernst & Young’s Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards were used. Data were obtained from the Bloomberg database spanning five years (2017–2021). The results reveal a significant positive correlation between Environmental, Social, and Governance reporting quality and audit committee independence (p-value < 0.05), but no significant relationship for meeting frequency or average age (p < 0.05). The findings highlight the importance of internal assurance in enhancing Environmental, Social, and Governance reporting, addressing stakeholder concerns on sustainability and corporate responsibility. The study contributes to the governance literature by offering actionable insights for firm managers and evidence that stronger audit committee independence enhances governance structures. This study underscores the need for policies that improve Environmental, Social, and Governance reporting quality and suggests further exploration of qualitative audit committee attributes influencing Environmental, Social, and Governance disclosures. It added to the ongoing debate examining the effect of audit committee characteristics on Environmental, Social, and Governance reporting quality in South Africa’s context. Acknowledgment Gratitude is extended to the anonymous referees for their helpful and thoughtful suggestions, recommendations, and constructive comments, by which the paper was substantially improved. Moreover, the University of KwaZulu Natal is acknowledged for providing excellent research support and facilities. Notably, the article has never been published previously. The paper was extracted from Ruth Mutsa Ruziwa’s Masters dissertation, which was submitted to the University of KwaZulu Natal, with first authorship of this article attributed to the same.

Type of the article: Research Article AbstractThe connection between bad debts and bank profitability is vital for ensuring financial stability. However, while lending is a key source of banks’ revenue, rising bad debts can weaken their financial health, limit new credit issuance, and increase systemic risk. Therefore, understanding how bank-specific factors drive bad debts and affect profitability is crucial, particularly in distinguishing their impact on large and medium-sized banks. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of bank-specific bad debts determinants on the profitability of South African banks. To achieve this objective, the study employs a Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PARDL) model and an Error Correction Model (ECM) using bank data spanning the period from 2013 to 2023. The sample selection was informed by the data availability. The findings indicate that both the loan-to-deposit ratio and the capital adequacy ratio exert a positive impact on bank profitability, with large banks benefiting from stronger capital positions. The results further indicated that rising non-performing loan ratios correspond with decreased profitability in banks, particularly within medium-sized banks with limited risk absorption capacity. This research contributes to banking literature by offering a comparative perspective on the linkage between loans and both large and medium-sized banks in South Africa. The study suggests that, to mitigate potential defaults, medium-sized banks should exercise caution when issuing loans.

This study empirically analysed the class ruling at two South African universities. The principles underpinning the Canons of Taxation, Consumption Theory, and the Principle of Neutrality were reviewed as analytical benchmarks. The literature review synthesised prior studies that examined the ruling or explored apportionment practices within universities. A sequential mixed-methods approach was adopted, beginning with a quantitative phase followed by a qualitative phase. Quantitative data were collected from thirty (37) university staff members through an online questionnaire, and descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 29). The qualitative phase involved online interviews with ten (10) tax and finance professionals engaged in apportionment practices at universities, capturing their experiences, perspectives, and insights. The data were analysed using thematic and transcript analysis with the aid of NVivo (version 20). The findings indicate that respondents believe the South African Revenue Service should revisit and improve the existing ruling. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of continuous training at universities, cost implications, and the complexity of Value-Added Tax apportionment. In the context of a rapidly evolving higher education sector, the VAT Act and the definition of educational services appear to require reform. Based on these findings, the study recommends that SARS consider revising the ruling by removing a prescribed apportionment rate and allowing universities to adopt methods that are practical and aligned with their operational contexts. Consistent with prior research, the study also finds that the input-based method remains complex, and that the definition of Value-Added Tax within the educational sector is overly broad.

Type of the article: Research Article Abstract This study aims to examine the impact of blue accounting disclosures on the corporate environmental performance of 14 marine-sensitive companies operating in shipping, logistics, fishing, oil, and gas listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The study covered five years from 2019 to 2023. Data on environmental performance were collected and measured using Bloomberg environmental scores. Blue accounting disclosures were scored using a 5-point Likert scale. Various statistical and econometric techniques were employed, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, panel data analysis, and pooled ordinary least squares regression analysis. The findings show a significant positive correlation between environmental performance and firm size (coefficient: 16.07; p-value: 0.00), adherence to environmental guidelines (coefficient: 7.48; p-value: 0.02), and reporting costs (coefficient: 6.35; p-value: 0.01). Conversely, environmental obligations (coefficient: –3.92; p-value: 0.02) and firm age (coefficient: –0.18; p-value: 0.00) negatively correlated with environmental performance. The study recommends that marine-sensitive companies adopt blue accounting sustainability guidelines, like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and that policymakers develop and enforce a blue accounting framework to promote sustainable marine practices. This study presents a novel model that integrates blue accounting disclosures. Through empirical and theoretical contributions, this study provided managerial, practical, policy, and implications for the quality of blue accounting disclosures, interventions, and policies to strengthen national and global sustainability goals. It added voice to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 6 and SDG 14. This study also provided a robust research agenda for future research.

The economic impact of carbon emissions in Africa is gaining traction in the extant literature. This study adopted Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to concomitantly track data on carbon emissions versus economic growth in Africa from 2018 to 2022 providing evidence from a meta-analysis. Through database searches, 591 publications were identified. A machine learning algorithm called Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) was used as a visualization technique for reporting trends in the eleven papers selected for the analysis. Identifying, evaluating, and summarizing the findings of all relevant individual studies conducted in Africa on the impact of economic growth on carbon emissions contributes to the existing body of knowledge. This study fills a critical gap by surveying the studies conducted in Africa in the last five years, implying that economic growth negatively and significantly triggers CO2 emissions in Africa. The debate on the economic impact of CO2 emissions in Africa, the most vulnerable continent to climate change, is elucidated. The findings tracked sources of data for carbon emissions in Africa. The results showed that although some studies reported a positive correlation (and some a negative correlation) between economic growth and carbon emissions, most studies concur that the economic impact of carbon emissions over a timeline can be explained by the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Therefore, there is a dire need for African countries to strengthen economic growth without deteriorating their environment or having ecological footprint. Future research must assess whether this trend on the economic impact of carbon emissions in Africa continues. AcknowledgmentThe authors express their appreciation to the Durban University of Technology for providing the resources to conduct this study.

This article empirically investigated proactive financial statement fraud detection techniques 30 among nongovernment organisations in the eThekwini region, South Africa. The data for this thesis was gathered from 87 staff via the use of a mixed research method with knowledgeable individuals in the field of fraud risk management. SPSS used descriptive statistics analysis while all the interview questions were analysed using conventional thematic analysis via NVivo. Robustness analysis was entirely performed using AMOS for CFA was used to estimate statistical models. SEM simultaneously estimated the link between detective financial statement fraud practices. The study’s results and findings of both the questionnaire and interviews reflected statistically significant agreement that NGOs should use proactive forensic auditing techniques in order to detect financial statement fraud among NGOs in the eThekwini region of South Africa.

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a region characterised by unique challenges related to weak governance structures, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and limited resources. These challenges pose significant risks to audit quality, as they can compromise the independence, objectivity, and professional judgment of auditors. Moreover, the ethical values of the region can also have a significant impact on audit quality, as they shape the behaviour and attitudes of auditors and the firms they audit. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ethics on audit quality among firms in SSA. The study uses a sample of 323 firms from 12 sub-Saharan African countries, covering the period from 2012 to 2021. The research design is quantitative, employing a panel data approach and regression analysis. The econometric model used to estimate the impact of ethics on audit quality was based on variables such as audit quality, ethical values, tenure, audit size, auditor reputation, firm size, return on assets, ownership structure and board independence. The data was collected from the World Economic Forum, Bloomberg Database and other sources. Regression results demonstrated a negative and insignificant impact of ethical values on audit quality. However, the tenure of auditors had a positive impact on audit quality. The results of this study suggest the importance of promoting ethical behaboiur and strengthening ethial standards in auditing profession in SSA.

The aim of this research was to conduct a systematic review of the existing literature regarding the difficulties associated with the adoption and implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards for Small and Medium-sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs). Additionally, the study sought to propose strategies that could assist with mitigating  the complexities relating to IFRS for SMEs adoption and implementation in South Africa. When analysing the related literature, the study employed the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. According to the inclusion criteria, the literature regarded as relevant related to studies published during 2017–2023. Furthermore, this study adopted the institutional theory due to its relevance in modelling the roles of regulators and SMEs in the adoption and implementation of IFRS for SMEs.  The study found that the adoption and implementation of IFRS for SMEs presents several challenges, such as low level of education, costs related to the adoption, political pressures, and training and support by regulatory bodies as well as  cultural dimensions. To overcome these obstacles, it is suggested that campaigns be used to raise recognition about the latter, providing extensive educational and regular training for accounting professionals. The study provides an insightful review of the challenges of IFRS for SMEs with specific attention on South Africa, informing the accounting standard setters, policymakers, and professional bodies of the accounting standards.

Using a quantitative longitudinal trends analysis, this study analysed the link between tax evasion and avoidance. The main aim was to assess the implications of evasion and avoidance of taxes on South African economy progress from 1994-2021. Publically secondary data available from South African Revenue authority were gathered. The data gathered provided us with basis of longitudinal statistical analysis of the extent of tax evasion and or tax avoidance affected the economic growth in the years 1994-2021. The Eviews 10 Results was used to estimate elasticities and buoyancies for major taxes with respect of South Africa’s economic growth for years 1994-2021. The natural logarithm of the gap between total budgeted tax income and realised tax income was also employed as a metric of tax evasion and avoidance in South Africa for this key research work. Ordinary Least Squares Regression (OLS) regression analysis was employed to evaluate whether the link between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and tax evaded and avoided is strong or weak. Test for stationarity to see whether the parameter does not vary over time and for OLS was performed. The overall analysis of tax evasion and avoidance upon South African economy showed the increased tax revenue resulted in surpluses between tax revenue budgeted, tax revenue collected and economic growth (GDP), meaning tax evasion and avoidance in South Africa are minimal.  The study's findings disprove prior studies that suggest that tax evasion and tax avoidance seriously affect Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and refute the null hypothesis of this study. However, the study’s results further revealed that increasing tax rates was said to have triggered a positive trend towards economic growth or GDP (actual revenue collected is more than expected taxation revenue annually to cover tax evaded and avoided.   As far as policy is concerned the conclusion is reassuring that tax evasion and avoidance has minimal effect upon economic growth as long as tax rates are being risen. The results of this study provide implications for government that specific insights should allow policy makers to gain a better understanding on the key variables that are potentially associated with tax evasion and avoidance. Finally, the study contributes knowledge that is pertinent to an emerging country and provides much needed insights into the magnitude of the extent of tax evasion and avoidance on the county’s economic growth progress.       

This article investigated how labour market assessment intervention through employability training can be used as a catalyst to improve employment pathways among adolescent girls and young women (AGYWs) in South Africa. This study adopted quantitative and descriptive research approaches via longitudinal data collection. Secondary data was collected from 3584 AGYWs using a questionnaire survey during employability training from July-October 2021. Robustness analysis was performed using descriptive statistics using SPSS version 27.0. The empirical findings proved that employability training significantly improved the capabilities of adolescent girls and young women on labour market assessments. Relying on these empirical findings, this study proposes a framework for linking AGYWs and the labour market through an employability training capability-based conceptualised model. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge and further contributes to the career development and employability among adolescent girls and young women required to cope with the labour markets in South Africa.