Household food insecurity continues to affect dietary quality, hunger and child nutritional outcomes in South Africa. This study examined household dietary diversity, hunger, food security status and child nutritional status among low-income households in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB), Eastern Cape, South Africa. A quantitative, cross-sectional analysis used data collected between August and November 2021 from 526 school-aged children (eight–14 years) and their households at four public primary schools in NMB. Anthropometry was measured in person and classified using World Health Organisation growth standards. The Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and Household Hunger Scale (HHS) were administered telephonically to 210 households owing to COVID-19 restrictions. Food insecurity was widespread (90.5%): 50.5% of households reported moderate and 40.0% severe hunger. Dietary diversity was low (mean HDDS = 3.45, SD = 1.45), with 51.0% classified as low diversity and limited intake of fruit, animal-source foods, legumes and dairy. A double burden of malnutrition was evident: 26.8% of children showed mild stunting, 8.6% were stunted or severely stunted, and 25.5% were overweight or obese. HDDS was weakly inversely associated with HHS (r = −0.194, p = 0.005); neither was associated with BMI-for-age. Findings support multidimensional assessment and integrated, context-specific interventions.
Scholarly engagement with sectoral systems of innovation and innovation ecosystems has expanded significantly, leading to increased journal publications in these fields. Despite this growing body of literature, the contribution of the Journal of Consumer Sciences (JCS) to research on sectoral systems of innovation and innovation ecosystems remains underexplored. This paper reviews JCS publications to examine the extent to which sectoral systems of innovation and innovation ecosystems have been addressed within the clothing, textiles, leather and footwear (CTLF) discipline. Records (n = 37) relating to CTLF papers published in the JCS between 2015 and 2025 were reviewed. The study employed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach to identify relevant records and utilised the diamond helix model (DHM) to analyse the findings. The findings indicate that, although CTLF papers explicitly focusing on sectoral systems of innovation and innovation ecosystems are absent in the JCS, several innovation actors are reflected in the reviewed studies. Furthermore, the findings reveal that most CTLF papers (97%) did not explicitly identify the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressed, resulting in the underreporting of SDG contributions in the JCS. The study validates the DHM as a useful analytical framework for understanding systems of innovation and innovation ecosystems within a Global South context. The paper recommends that future research published in the JCS should incorporate sectoral systems of innovation, innovation ecosystems and mixed methodology approaches, while clearly identifying the SDGs addressed.
Food literacy is a critical competency for navigating complex, convenience-driven food environments and supporting healthier, sustainable food practices. Millennial parents, as primary dietary gatekeepers in household food environments, fulfil a key role in the intergenerational transfer of food literacy to Generation Alpha. This study, therefore, explored and described the food literacy and lifestyle practices of Millennial parents to identify key strengths and vulnerabilities that shape intergenerational transfer to Generation Alpha within the local context. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 455 Millennial parents in Gauteng using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, lifestyle, and food literacy indicators. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) confirmed the traditional four dimensions of food literacy and identified a fifth dimension: Culinary Heritage. Respondents demonstrated strong competencies in Plan and Manage (M = 4.68), and Selection (M = 4.34), but lower competencies in Preparation (M = 3.65), Mindful Eating (M = 3.40), and Culinary Heritage (M = 3.06). One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences by gender and education. Women scored higher than men in Planning and Managing (M = 4.75, p < 0.001), Preparation (M = 3.70, p = 0.005), and Culinary Heritage (M = 3.16, p = 0.010). In contrast, higher educational attainment was associated with greater Selection competency (M = 4.41, p = 0.004). These findings emphasise the need to integrate Culinary Heritage into food literacy frameworks to preserve culinary identity while equipping Generation Alpha with meaningful, context-driven competencies for healthier, more resilient, and sustainable food practices.
This study examines how perceived choice overload relates to purchase regret in digital shopping environments, positioning decision fatigue as a mediating mechanism. Drawing on cognitive load and contemporary motivational interpretations of decision fatigue, a dual-path model is tested using survey data from 350 online consumers and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate that perceived overload is positively associated with regret both indirectly, through heightened decision fatigue, and directly, through affective responses to decision complexity. These findings suggest that post-purchase regret may reflect not only product outcomes but also the psychological experience of choosing. The study contributes to consumer science by integrating structural choice complexity with cognitive and emotional pathways relevant to digital marketplace design.
Introduction Warning labels (WLs) have been proposed in South Africa to promote healthier food choices, yet little is known about how consumers in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) perceive WLs and their design features. Aim This study investigated consumers’ perceptions of WLs and their design features in NMB. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was administered using convenience and snowball sampling (N = 96). Closed-ended responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, while open-ended responses were analysed using content analysis. Results Most respondents supported the implementation of WLs (93.8%) and believed they would help identify unhealthy products (93.8%). Respondents identified the red triangle as the most effective (53/89; 59.6%) and most attention-grabbing (51/91; 56.0%) design, in contrast with South Africa’s draft regulations, which propose a black triangle WL. Only 44.8% of respondents agreed that government-endorsed food labels would be trustworthy. Open-ended responses indicated that respondents perceived WLs as helpful in guiding healthier food choices and lifestyles. Conclusion These findings suggest that consumers in this NMB sample perceived WLs positively and believed they could support healthier choices. Nonetheless, mixed views on government endorsement and concerns that WLs are perceived as “scare tactics” suggest that further pretesting may be warranted.
Numerous studies in hospitality education suggest that assessment for student learning is central to effective pedagogy. The phenomenon of learning through an authentic assessment (AA) lens is a relatively new focus of research in the South African context, which this study explores. This paper examines the relationship between AA and the learning experiences of hospitality accounting students, focusing on how AA enables or constrains the learning experiences of first-year students in a hospitality accounting module. A range of challenges and opportunities exists in assessing student learning within authentic assessment contexts. Using an interpretive approach, first-year hospitality accounting students were purposively sampled and engaged in focus group sessions and individual semi-structured interviews in this qualitative case study. The focus group consisted of students who shared similar learning experiences relevant to the phenomenon under investigation. Following thematic analysis, four themes emerged from the data: (1) Access to threshold concepts, (2) Lack of numeracy skills and hospitality disciplinary knowledge, (3) Time management, and (4) Intense group practice. This study contributes to hospitality education scholarship by providing insight into how AA shapes foundational learning experiences for first-year students.
Food insecurity and malnutrition remain major global concerns, adversely affecting children’s growth, development, and health. School feeding programmes are increasingly used to support adequate nutrition during the school years, a critical period for shaping dietary habits. Within such programmes, learner preferences are central to meal consumption and, consequently, to programme effectiveness. This study explored learners’ preferences and perceptions of the Tiger Brands Foundation (TBF) breakfast menu and identified suggestions for improvement. A longitudinal mixed-methods study using questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups was conducted in eight schools in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, across three phases in March, June, and November 2024. Stratified sampling yielded a final sample of 371 learners. The breakfast programme was perceived to contribute positively to learners’ wellbeing, with many reporting reliance on school breakfast to support classroom concentration, learning, and overall physical and emotional health. Jungle Oats was the most favourite item (43%), whereas Mabele was least preferred, with a 34% of the study participants stating that it induced nausea. Some breakfast meals were described as lacking flavour or being poorly prepared, and learners indicated that the addition of sugar and improvements in cooking could enhance taste. Learners recommended diversifying the menu by including other branded cereals, such as Corn Flakes, Weet-Bix, and Coco Pops, alongside protein-rich foods such as meat, sausages, and eggs. They also emphasised the need for proper preparation of oats and instant porridges to improve palatability, and advocated removing Mabele from the menu to reduce plate waste and better align offerings with learner preferences.
Although apparel shopping has traditionally been viewed as a female-oriented activity, male consumer participation in the retail space has become increasingly visible. Generation Y (born between 1981 and 1999) now plays a central role in the retail economy, reflecting their growing economic influence. Despite the recognised significance of Generation Y male consumers in the retail market, research specifically addressing their behavioural perspectives and purchasing patterns remains limited. Consumer decision-making styles (DMS) refer to the mental orientations that guide purchasing attitudes and behaviours, varying across product categories and influenced by demographic factors. The eight foundational DMS identified by Sproles and Kendall (1986:267) have been widely applied and empirically validated across diverse global contexts, establishing the Consumer Styles Inventory (CSI) as a reliable instrument for assessing consumer decision-making characteristics (Potgieter, Wiese & Strashein 2013). This study intended to explore the DMS of South African Generation Y male footwear consumers using a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design. A purposive non-probability sampling method, guided by defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, was used. Data were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire, distributed through targeted social media advertising, yielding 190 respondents. Analysis revealed a seven-factor model describing the DMS of Generation Y male South African consumers’ footwear purchasing behaviour, aligning closely with the original eight factors as identified by Sproles and Kendall (1986). These findings therefore support and add to existing research and serve as a strong baseline for similar future studies by shedding light on the DMS of South African Generation Y male consumers when purchasing footwear and revealing the importance that this specific segment of consumers attach to perfectionism and high-quality as a DMS during footwear purchases. The findings reaffirm the CSI’s validity within the context of this study and offer valuable insights for marketers and retailers on the male consumer segment, enabling effective market segmentation based on DMS profiling.
This study investigated the perspectives of Consumer Studies teachers regarding the usage of digital technology in South African public schools. With a phenomenological approach and an interpretivist paradigm as guiding principles, the study sought to understand how educators use and perceive digital resources in the classroom. Purposive convenience sampling, a qualitative method, was used to choose participants from various educational settings. The findings revealed that while most educators acknowledge the pedagogical value of digital technologies and use them to support teaching and learning, they face persistent challenges such as limited infrastructure, unstable internet connectivity, and unequal access to professional development. These barriers are particularly evident in under-resourced schools, where teachers rely on personal devices and adaptive strategies to engage learners. To address these challenges, this study developed the "Bridging the digital divide" conceptual tree model, designed to provide a context-sensitive framework that connects infrastructure, professional development, and pedagogical practice as interdependent components for sustainable technology integration. Frameworks are essential for guiding equitable and effective digital transformation in Consumer Studies education, ensuring inclusive, technology-enriched teaching and learning environments across South African schools.
Suboptimal budgeting practices are a significant determinant of poor financial outcomes. This study investigates the longitudinal relationship between sound budgeting habits and key personal financial outcomes, namely, savings, credit scores, financial well-being, and financial stress, within the South African context. A quantitative, longitudinal survey design was employed using data from a large national sample of Old Mutual Rewards members (N > 1.3 million) collected over a three-year period (2019–2021), spanning pre-, during, and post-Covid-19 phases. Budgeting habits and financial outcomes were measured using validated multi-item instruments, while credit scores were obtained from reputable bureaus (TransUnion and Experian). Analytical techniques included Spearman’s rank-order correlations, repeated-measures ANOVA, and chi-square tests, conducted using IBM SPSS v28. Results revealed that stronger budgeting habits were consistently and significantly associated with improved savings behavior, higher credit scores, enhanced financial well-being, and lower financial stress across all time periods. These findings underscore the critical role of budgeting in promoting financial health, particularly under economic uncertainty. This study deepens understanding of the behavioral drivers of budgeting practices in developing countries, providing long-term insights from South Africa on how sticking to a budget can shape financial outcomes during times of economic upheaval.
ABSTRACT Guest satisfaction is a key indicator of service quality in hospitality. It directly reflects how well a resort meets guest expectations across various service dimensions, including staff performance, amenities, and overall experience. As industry trends shift toward personalisation, technology, wellness, and sustainability, resorts must adapt their services to meet evolving guest expectations or risk declining satisfaction and competitiveness. However, employee commitment to building guest loyalty in resorts has not been extensively studied. The primary objective of this research was to investigate how employee performance in various service dimensions influences guest experience at a resort in the Moses Kotane District. A quantitative descriptive survey design was used to describe characteristics and phenomena. Data was collected from guests who stayed at any hotel within the resort for at least one night. A self-administered questionnaire with closed-ended questions was distributed using convenience sampling. From June to September 2023, 500 questionnaires were handed out during check-in, and 400 responses were collected. The raw data was transferred to a Microsoft Excel sheet, where it was coded for analysis. Results indicated that guests had high expectations regarding service quality, particularly during the check-in and check-out stages. The majority of participants strongly agreed that they expected efficient service within the various dimensions during these times, and their expectations were mostly met. Resort management should employ professional, knowledgeable staff, willing to help and ensure that standard operating procedures guide employees in maintaining quality service.
Mobile phone usage has become a central part of student life in Nigeria, yet the link between brand awareness and purchasing behaviour remains underexplored. Understanding this relationship is essential for marketers and educators seeking to meet the needs of young consumers. Therefore, this study investigates how brand awareness influences the purchasing behaviour of students at the University of Uyo, with particular attention to the role of family characteristics. A descriptive research design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered across multiple faculties. The instrument was tested for reliability, and the data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The results show that majority (56.2%) of the respondents exhibited moderate brand awareness and demonstrated variety-seeking behaviour (51.3%), while family characteristics such as income (r = 0.729), education (r = 0.838), and employment status (r = 0.631) strongly shape consumer decisions. Gender differences (t = 1.43)., however, did not emerge as a significant factor. The study concludes that branding plays a critical role in shaping student purchasing behaviour and that family background has a strong influence on consumer decision-making. These findings contribute to understanding student consumer patterns and carry implications for mobile phone manufacturers, marketers, and institutions aiming to enhance digital literacy and informed purchasing.
Malnutrition is widespread in most developing countries including South Africa. In addition, there is an epidemiological and nutritional transition taking place in South Africa. This is evidenced by an increase in the proportion of overweight and obese people, as well as a rise in the number of people eating energy-dense, nutrient poor food, together with a decline in their physical activity levels. These factors collectively contribute to elevated blood glucose levels. Substituting brown rice for white rice and creating awareness on the beneficial impact of brown rice consumption can enable behavioural change leading to improved blood glucose levels. This study aimed to determine the effect of brown rice consumption on blood glucose levels among university employees at a South African university. In this cross-sectional study, the following measurements were conducted: starch food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ), sensory evaluation of brown rice cooked using several methods and served as a meal, anthropometry, and pre-prandial and post-prandial blood glucose measurements following the consumption of a breakfast with a brown rice meal. Potatoes were the most frequently consumed starchy food; 63.8% of the study participants (p=.010) consumed potatoes while brown rice was the least consumed (11.7%). Although brown rice cooked in the microwave was most preferred (28.8%), there was no significant difference in preference among all four cooking methods (p=.834). The mean sensory evaluation scores of brown rice accompanied with butter chicken or lamb curry were 7.90 and 7.67, respectively. There was no significant difference in blood glucose levels before and after consuming a brown rice meal (p = .431). This study highlights the importance of a collaborative endeavour by all food system stakeholders to effectively promote the sensorial transition from white rice to brown rice, thereby emphasising the health benefits of brown rice.
Background The nutrition transition, a global shift from traditional diets to Westernised eating patterns, has been linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa (SA) and among isiXhosa-speaking people in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). Limited research has explored the community’s perception of this transition, posing challenges for intervention design. This study explored how isiXhosa-speaking adults perceive this nutrition transition and its health implications. Method A qualitative research design, using three focus group discussions (FGDs), was employed. Participants were purposively selected from NMB municipal wards. Data were analysed using Tesch’s eight-step coding process, with independent verification in ATLAS.ti. FGDs were audio-recorded and transcribed. Results Four themes emerged: (1) Traditional vs Western Diets, (2) Economic and Cultural Drivers of Change, (3) Health Consequences of Dietary Shifts, and (4) Strategies for Promoting Traditional Diets. Participants expressed a strong connection to traditional foods but noted shifts to processed products due to urbanisation, economic constraints, and cultural change. They raised concerns about health impacts, particularly obesity and diabetes. Conclusion Results highlight a need for targeted interventions that reflect community values and promote traditional diets while addressing socioeconomic barriers. Public health strategies should strengthen traditional food knowledge while countering adverse health effects of the nutrition transition.
Consumers’ perceived value of pork meat can be influenced by its distinctive product cues. Research into which intrinsic and extrinsic cues consumers find most relevant in the South African context is still underrepresented in the international scientific literature. The aim of this review is to provide a deeper understanding of the value of intrinsic and extrinsic product cues influencing consumers' perceived value of pork meat in South Africa. The retrieved literature was organised and classified into specific constructs. It was clear from synthesising the review that both intrinsic and extrinsic cues play significant roles in shaping consumers’ purchasing intentions of pork meat with regards to the economic states of this country and its people. A more holistic approach is required to better understand the interactions on process attributes (intrinsic cues) and the product attributes (extrinsic cues) to influence consumers’ perceived value of pork meat products. Conducting further studies in this field will provide more insight into methods for efficiently meeting changing consumer preferences, increasing their perceived value of pork meat and maximising product market share. This paper is laying the groundwork for academics and industry role players studying product cues, consumption trends and potential commercial opportunities in the pork meat industry.
Indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) play a significant role in ensuring sustainable household food security and promoting adequate nutrition. However, the utilisation of ILVs depends on consumers’ interest, perceptions and whether these foods are within consumers’ reach. There is a growing concern about the underutilisation of ILVs in Sub-Saharan African countries. Therefore, this study assessed consumers’ perceptions, sourcing practices, and household consumption in the Mangangeni community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A total of 118 household members aged 18 years and above were selected by snowball sampling method. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire through door-to-door visits. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 28.0). Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages were calculated to summarize the sample demographics and patterns of ILV utilization. More than half (61.9%) of participants were women, 50.8% were within 18-35 years of age and 38.1% were married. 53.8% household heads were fathers, while 73.7% households consisted of 6-10 members. All participants (100%) had a good perception of ILVs. Out of six ILVs identified, pumpkin (97.5%), amaranths (89.8%), giant soldier (80.5%), and blackjacks (69.5%) were significantly consumed (p<0.001). Pumpkin leaves (99.2%) were most cultivated. Women (99.2%) were mostly involved in ILV sourcing. Half of the participants’ households (50.8%) consumed ILVs at least twice per week mostly with Phutu (96.6%). Positive consumer perceptions significantly impacted sourcing and household consumption of ILVs, especially during spring. These findings suggest household food consumption in this rural community is influenced considerably by availability, seasonality and positive perception towards ILVs.
Food insecurity and household food waste paradoxically coexist in South Africa, particularly within informal settlements where poverty, infrastructure deficits, and socio economic challenges exacerbate the issue. This study examines the patterns and drivers of household food waste in four informal communities in the Fezile Dabi District, Free State province. A structured questionnaire was administered to 433 households using a descriptive quantitative design. Fruits, dairy, and carbohydrate staples were the most frequently wasted items, with contributing factors including poor storage, limited food literacy, unreliable electricity, and household preferences. Although 85% of participants had cooking experience, few applied consistent waste reduction practices. Liquid waste, especially dairy, and discarded prepared foods such as rice and vegetables were common. The findings highlight both behavioural and infrastructural causes, underscoring the need for integrated, community-based interventions. The study contributes evidence to guide local policy, education, and SDG-aligned strategies to reduce food waste and enhance food security. Its significance lies in addressing gaps in under-resourced communities, supporting policy development, informing targeted education and behaviour change initiatives, and advancing progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 12.3.
This study conducts a systematic review of the literature with the specific goal of identifying the key competencies that undergraduate students in the hospitality industry need to be employable upon graduation. The application of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) review was explored in articles published from 2014 to 2023. Thirty-one articles emphasised the specific competencies needed in the hospitality industry, focusing on the perception of industry practitioners, educators and students. Keyword-specific data searches were conducted using Google Scholar and ScienceDirect’s databases, and 31 relevant articles that met the predefined inclusion criteria were identified. Analysis of the literature was performed by means of an MS Excel spreadsheet. Forty-one competencies were identified as being important to be employable. The five competencies needed in the hospitality industry that ranked highest in terms of employability were communication (oral and written), leadership, service orientation, motivation and development of others, and intercultural and interpersonal skills. This study contributes to the literature by providing updated data on the competencies essential for employment within the industry. Its value lies in examining the perceptions of industry practitioners, students, and educators regarding the competencies they view as indispensable for employability. Accordingly, the findings offer new insights not only for the hospitality industry and academia but also for informing and enhancing the curriculum of hospitality-related courses.
Health awareness and trends among consumers emphasise the importance of plant-based proteins (PBPs) to replace or supplement animal-based proteins. Food-related healthy lifestyle habits are important for combating non-communicable diseases, including obesity and diabetes mellitus. Thus, this study describes consumers’ consumption of PBP foods and the drivers and barriers to consumption. We investigated how these drivers and barriers correlate with consumers’ healthy food-related lifestyle choices. Our online survey purposively targeted selected South African consumers through social media (N = 351). Spearman’s ranked-order correlations facilitated the exploration of healthy lifestyle choices in relation to drivers and barriers. On average, respondents experienced more drivers (PBP experience and health and sustainability trends) than barriers (affordability and availability) to their PBP consumption. Healthy lifestyle choices correlated positively with the drivers experienced regarding PBP consumption and negatively with barriers, with the opposite trends for unhealthy lifestyle choices. This study clarifies the primary drivers and barriers to PBP consumption, where these proteins were underutilised. Our findings lay the foundation for future research aimed at reducing the consumption of animal-based proteins by partially substituting them with PBPs. The identified drivers may be valuable foci for future health awareness and marketing in public health and food sectors.
Background: Internet users in Indonesia are increasing rapidly as information and communications technology (ICT) develops. Online shopping is growing in popularity, owing to the ease of access and transactions afforded by this technology. This study extends previous research by focusing on the influence of consumer experience on purchasing fashion products. Purpose: This study aimed to explain and analyze the influence of consumer experience in purchasing fashion products through online applications on customer satisfaction and its relationship with future purchase intentions. Method: This study employed a survey involving 282 fashion product consumers, followed by interviews with three supply chain practitioners to verify the quantitative findings and gain further insights. Quantitative data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), while qualitative data were analyzed based on the interviews. Findings: The results show that consumer experience significantly influences customer satisfaction, particularly regarding returnability. Customer satisfaction, in turn, improves future intentions to purchase fashion products through e-commerce. Conclusions: Consumer experience is pivotal for improving customer satisfaction and future purchase intentions in the Indonesian online fashion industry. Furthermore, practitioner perspectives offer profound insights into how operational practices and strategic decisions in e-commerce logistics contribute to customer satisfaction. Research implication: This study highlights the crucial role of consumer experience in shaping customer satisfaction and loyalty in Indonesia’s online fashion market. These findings suggest that e-commerce managers should prioritize seamless delivery, return policies, and the overall consumer experience to enhance customer retention and long-term loyalty.
