The consensus is that price stability promotes sustainable economic growth while excessive inflation harms growth. This study assesses the linkage between inflation and economic growth in South Africa to determine the optimal inflation rate threshold for the sustainable growth of the economy. Quarterly data from 1995 to 2022 was analysed through the ARDL and threshold regressions. The ARDL and threshold regressions estimate established a relationship between inflation and economic growth and computed the optimal inflation rate threshold for economic growth at 6 percent. The results also established that both the repo rate (repurchase rate) and real effective exchange rate have a negative relationship with economic growth. The Toda-Yamamoto causality test result indicated a unidirectional causality runs from inflation to economic growth. These results are crucial for the South African Reserve Bank to discharge its monetary policy functions to attain and maintain price stability. Therefore, this study offers the Bank a roadmap for targeting an inflation rate that aligns with the nation’s long-term objectives for sustainable economic growth.

The state delivery of affordable and sustainable housing continues to be a complicated challenge in Africa, and there is a need to encourage private sector participation. As a result, this study examines the risks associated with private sector participation in affordable housing and supporting infrastructure investment and the strategies towards mitigating the risks from an Afrocentric perspective. The evidence from a systematic literature review was coupled with the opinion of an international expert panel to address the paper’s aim and provide recommendations for developing improved housing and supporting infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa. The review outcomes and the qualitative data from the panel discussion were analysed using thematic analysis. The results revealed that market dynamics, land supply and acquisition constraints, cost of construction materials, unsupportive policies, and technical and financial factors constitute risks to affordable housing in the region. Mitigation strategies include leveraging joint efforts, strengths, and resource bases, increasing access to land and finance for private sector participation, developing a supportive government framework to promote an enabling environment for easy access to land acquisition and development finance, local production of building materials, research and technology adoption. In line with the United Nations (UN) Agenda 2030 targets and principles, reforms are required across the housing value chain, involving the private sector and community. Application of the study’s recommendations could minimise the risks of affordable housing delivery and enhance private sector participation.

Political patronage has become a notable concern in the South African public sector, often compared to a new epidemic because of its adverse effects on governance and public administration. This phenomenon involves by political leaders offering rewards and appointment people for key government positions and allocating resources to them based on their political loyalty rather than their abilities and qualifications. This intensifies corruption by fostering a culture in which competence is subordinate, resulting in inadequately qualified individuals assuming key positions and receiving benefits, thereby amplifying opportunities for unethical conduct. In turn, this practice undermines the effectiveness and integrity of public sector institutions. The purpose of this article is to offer a broader analysis and implications of political patronage and how it fuels corruption and governance in the South African public sector. This article employs a secondary research method through the review of existing literature to examine the nature of political patronage, its nexus with corruption and misgovernance in the public sector, drawing reference to contemporary, renowned corruption cases. This paper submits that overcoming these challenges necessitates a holistic approach that involves the professionalization of the public sector, robust measures to combat corruption, and improved transparency. The objective is to establish and promote a public service that emphasizes competence, responsibility, and the fulfilment of governance functions in order to serve the wider interests of citizens.

Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind turbines, and energy storage systems, offer many benefits, including increased energy efficiency, sustainability, and grid reliability. However, their integration into the smart grid also introduces new vulnerabilities to cyber threats. The smart grid is becoming more digitalized, with advanced technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) devices, communication networks, and automation systems that enable the integration of DER systems. While this enhances grid efficiency and control, it creates more entry points for attackers and thus expands the attack surface for potential cyber threats. Protecting DERs from cyberattacks is crucial to maintaining the overall reliability, security, and privacy of the smart grid. The adopted cybersecurity strategies should not only address current threats but also anticipate future dangers. This requires ongoing risk assessments, staying updated on emerging threats, and being prepared to adapt cybersecurity measures accordingly. This paper highlights some critical points regarding the importance of cybersecurity for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and the evolving landscape of the smart grid. This research study shows that there is need for a proactive and adaptable cybersecurity approach that encompasses prevention, detection, response, and recovery to safeguard these critical energy systems against cyber threats, both today and in the future. This work serves as a valuable tool in enhancing the cybersecurity posture of utilities and grid-connected DER owners and operators. It allows them to make informed decisions, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure the reliability and security of grid-connected DER systems in an evolving energy landscape.