This article examines the social performance of African Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) between 1999 and 2023, with a focus on how commercialization shapes outreach to financially excluded populations. Using panel data on 878 MFIs across 38 countries, we assess three dimensions of outreach: average loan balance (ALB; adjusted for GNI per capita), share of female borrowers and proportion of rural clients. A new Commercialization Index (CI), capturing profitability, capitalization and reliance on donations enables systematic measurement of market orientation. Employing random effects (REs) regressions alongside machine learning models, we find clear trade-offs between financial and social objectives. Commercialization increases loan sizes but reduces female outreach, signaling mission drift; while rural outreach remains resilient, suggesting potential for inclusive scale. Machine learning models, particularly the random forest (RF) model, achieve strong predictive accuracy (95%), highlighting that average loan size, loan portfolio scale and commercialization intensity are the most important variables distinguishing NGOs-type from for-profit MFIs. Overall, the study underscores the multidimensional tension between sustainability and inclusion in African microfinance. It provides a robust framework for monitoring mission drift and calls for targeted regulatory and investment strategies to ensure that commercialization does not undermine MFIs core mandate of serving vulnerable clients.

South Africa, like many developing nations, faces a significant challenge in providing affordable housing for low-income groups amidst rapid urbanization. Despite government-led initiatives such as the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and Breaking New Ground (BNG), the housing deficit persists, exacerbated by the historical legacy of apartheid-era spatial segregation and burgeoning urban growth. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), a proven model for infrastructure delivery, remain underexplored in South Africa's affordable housing sector. This paper investigates the efficacy of PPPs to address the critical shortage of affordable housing within eThekwini Municipality, South Africa. Specifically, it assesses the extent to which government-private sector collaboration can effectively alleviate this shortage. The research addresses the following key question: (1) To what extent can the PPP model be utilized as a viable solution to address the affordable housing shortage in eThekwini Municipality? Employing a qualitative methodology, the study utilizes semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders to explore the complexities of affordable housing delivery. Findings reveal challenges including navigating a complex regulatory environment, escalating construction costs and limited access to finance, fostering effective community engagement, mitigating risks within PPP frameworks, and ensuring equitable access to government incentives and capacity-building programs. The paper concludes that a multi-split approach is essential. This includes streamlining regulatory processes, enhancing access to finance, strengthening community engagement, improving PPP risk management, and implementing capacity-building programs for private developers. By addressing these issues, eThekwini Municipality can create a more enabling environment for PPPs and contribute to the successful delivery of affordable housing solutions.

Purpose This study aims to examine the challenges and opportunities of citizen-centered facilities management (CCFM) in Johannesburg’s inner city, with a focus on how participatory approaches can support sustainable urban renewal and improve the performance of mixed-use developments. Design/methodology/approach An interpretivist, qualitative research design was adopted. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 senior professionals involved in facilities management, property development, finance and urban governance. Data were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis to identify key patterns related to participation, capacity, social value and governance. Findings The findings of this study reveal four key challenges: exclusion of residents from decision-making, resulting in weak ownership and accountability; significant skills and capacity gaps that limit community participation in facilities management; the critical social value of well-maintained facilities in enhancing safety, dignity and social cohesion; and fragmented and inconsistent governance structures that undermine effective coordination and long-term sustainability. This study finds that weak governance and limited community involvement are primary drivers of infrastructure deterioration, while participatory approaches can improve maintenance outcomes and social resilience. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by its small, supply-side sample and lack of direct community perspectives. This study is limited in the small sample that it used. Practical implications This study highlights the need for participatory governance structures, community training and cross-sector partnerships. Social implications CCFM can enhance inclusion, safety and quality of life in inner-city environments. Originality/value This study contributes to facilities management literature by integrating Social Infrastructure Theory, Network Governance Theory and the Capability Approach into a novel community-centered facilities management (CCFM) framework. This study advances the reconceptualization of UFM from a technical function to a socially embedded, participatory practice within the context of inner-city regeneration in the Global South.

This paper explores an investment-centric framework for sustainable Mixed-Income Housing (MIH) developments in South Africa. Drawing from a rich dataset comprising stakeholder interviews, site observations, and document analysis, the study distills pragmatic guidelines rooted in investment theory. Key findings emphasize the strategic role of structured Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), the importance of greenfield developments for design flexibility and economic feasibility, and the preference for silo-based income demarcations to maintain social cohesion while enhancing housing value. The study further underscores the necessity of asset and property management, infrastructure provision, and vocational skills training to support long-term MIH sustainability. These insights inform actionable investment guidelines aimed at harmonizing inclusive housing goals with the socio-economic realities of post-apartheid South Africa, thereby contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 11.

This dataset, sourced from Fetch Analytics, captures observations of consumer visits (n = 87,204,056) to three major shopping malls in Johannesburg, South Africa, from January 2022 to December 2023. The dataset collected using smartphone signal tracking provides insights into consumer behaviour. Key variables include mall name, visit frequency, distance travelled from origin (home) to destination (mall), and socio-demographic indicators such as gender, age, income, and Living Standard Measure (LSM). The dataset allows for granular analyses of how spatial and socio-economic factors influence shopping patterns in a fragmented retail landscape. This dataset is valuable for researchers investigating consumer behaviour, spatial economics, and urban retail planning.

Abstract: In the face of mounting pressures to achieve sustainable human settlements, this study explores the intricacies of constructing inclusive housing in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, focusing on South Africa as a case study. Employing investment theory as a foundation, the research meticulously derives guidelines for developing sustainable Mixed Income Housing (MIH) through a thematic analysis of interviews. The study highlights South Africa's preference for segregating housing by income levels, utilising physical demarcations and security measures to address crime concerns. It underscores the efficacy of public-private partnerships in housing development, emphasising the necessity for government and municipal provision of land and infrastructure to mitigate service costs. This collaborative model is posited as a means to alleviate poverty through construction jobs and the promotion of Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), with vocational training playing a pivotal role in job creation. The analysis points to the critical need for investors to fully leverage government subsidies towards creating affordable housing units, cautioning against the imbalance of investment returns that disenfranchises governmental social objectives. The paper advocates for the development of Greenfield sites using green technologies and enhanced infrastructure to forge sustainable, inclusive urban spaces that bridge income and racial divides, presenting a model for sustainable urban development that marries economic viability with social equity.Theoretical Contextualisation Statement: This research on Mixed Income Housing (MIH) through the lens of the Equitable Urban Investment Theory (EUIT) offers a comprehensive examination aligned with the aims of the Journal of World Development. It explores the intricate dynamics of urban development, focusing on sustainable MIH as a mechanism to mitigate issues like poverty, housing insufficiency, and social inequality—core concerns of world development. The study is situated within the broader discourse of global development challenges, emphasising the role of MIH in improving living standards by fostering inclusive, sustainable urban environments. It addresses critical development issues such as environmental degradation, inadequate shelter, and social disparities by proposing a multidimensional framework that integrates economic viability with social equity and environmental sustainability. By applying the EUIT, a theory the paper develops, the research provides a novel perspective on public-private partnerships and government roles in enhancing housing markets, crucial for promoting equitable growth and participatory economic and political life. This aligns with the journal’s focus on disseminating ideas that enhance the human condition and learning from varied international experiences. The paper contributes constructively to global dialogues on development, offering lessons from the South African context that are applicable to diverse nations and societies, thus embodying the journal’s mission of fostering global cooperation and understanding through academic and practical insights into development processes.

Purpose: The absence of digitisation in construction project management, particularly in areas such as dispute resolution, project scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management, remains a critical unresolved issue. This deficiency leads to workflow inefficiencies, increased project costs, and prolonged project timelines. To address these challenges, this study explores the integration of Generative Pre-trained Transformers, an AI technology, into the role of an artificially intelligent construction project manager. It develops a novel hybrid work model between a PrCPM and the CPM-AI model, leveraging digital innovation to specifically target and mitigate these inefficiencies. Theoretical Contributions: The Artificial Pedagogy Phenomenology Theory (APPt) is introduced to elucidate observed phenomena. The theory posits that leveraging both AI capabilities and human insights can optimise future hybrid work models, improving construction project outcomes. It encompasses and addresses ethical concerns associated with AI implementation, such as balancing accountability and job displacement, with an applied focus on Engineering and Built Environment disciplines. Methodology and Design: This study employs a positivist research philosophy and a quantitative deductive approach, utilising pedagogical techniques and secondary data to replicate the decision-making processes of construction project managers. At its core, the pedagogical training of the transformer algorithm uses queries to identify current project issues, keys to integrate relevant historical data for context from historic project training data, values to derive actionable insights from past scenarios, and the dimension of key vectors to ensure balanced and effective decision-making. Findings Based on Empirical Research: Pre-alpha unit testing of the CPM-AI model trained to address dispute resolution, project scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management demonstrated statistically significant results in performance validation testing, the model achieved an accuracy rate of over *88.6% (p = 0.035) (n = 150) in its performance test on decision-making tasks pertaining to dispute resolution. It showed (x) efficiency in programme scheduling, and resource allocation, with (x) results appearing *x% (p = x) (n = x) of the time in its response rate (testing is set to commence in June 2024). The model further demonstrated exemplary efficiency in its ability to answer standardised historical Project Management Professional Exam questions, achieving a *92.8% (p = 0.015) (n = 120) aggregate score across all examination questions tested in relation to risk management. These findings establish standards for developing bespoke BE-AI models in the built environment and demonstrate seamless integration with existing tools and practices. They highlight the potential for broader AI applications across the construction industry and pave the way for future research into other built environment disciplines. Research Limitations: Research limitations include reliance on secondary data quality and potential AI biases to the South African context, requiring ongoing refinement and validation to ensure model accuracy and applicability in diverse construction environments globally, however, the researchers propose regional versioning to mitigate this effect. Practical Implications: Practical implications include enhanced project management efficiency, decision accuracy, workflow efficiencies, reduced project costs, and streamlined project timelines. Value to the Conference: The research offers crucial insights into integrating AI in construction project management, in line with the conference's theme, “Disrupting Tradition.” It introduces an innovative AI application that can redefine built environment practices, making a significant contribution to the dialogue on technological advancements within the built environment profession.

This study introduces a novel bibliometric model to enhance the integration and application of interdisciplinary theories in construction project management (CPM), focusing on sustainability. Utilizing bibliometric methods and tools such as VOSviewer, the research systematically identifies and maps interdisciplinary intersections in CPM. Grounded in pragmatism, the study emphasizes practical applications of theoretical insights and diverse perspectives to address real-world problems. The analysis highlights dominant sources like Sustainability Switzerland and Energies, and leading institutions such as Delft University of Technology and University of Johannesburg, which contribute significantly to sustainable construction literature. Prolific authors including Wang N., Aranda-Usón A., and Yuan J. frequently employ theories like Governmentality Theory, Lean Theory, and Ecological Modernisation Theory, demonstrating their impact on advancing theoretical and practical knowledge. The findings reveal a reliance on established theories to address sustainability issues and underscore the need for more structured theoretical approaches in future research. Despite notable contributions, there is a gap in the systematic application of theoretical frameworks, necessitating a rigorous theoretical foundation for empirical investigations. A thematic analysis of 41 documents showcases the varied application of theoretical frameworks and their implications for transdisciplinary research. The results highlight the importance of theory in providing structured frameworks for analysis, fostering interdisciplinary integration, and enhancing predictive power. The study advocates for promoting theory-driven research, developing comprehensive theoretical models, and enhancing bibliometric tools for 'co-theory' analysis. These steps aim to foster innovative solutions and sustainable practices in construction, ensuring theoretical advancements effectively contribute to sustainable development goals. This research underscores the critical role of theory in addressing the complex challenges of sustainable CPM.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employs a quantitative methodology using a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from construction industry professionals across South Africa through online questionnaires. The analysis utilises a linear regression model to examine the impact of skilled labour reduction on project turnaround times and the applicability of the Adaptive Chaos Management Theory in Construction (ACMTC). Purpose: The study explored the impact of workforce reduction, specifically skilled labour, on project turnaround times in the South African construction industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also assesses the effectiveness of current project management strategies and the potential of ACMTC to enhance resilience and adaptability. Findings: Findings indicate that reductions in skilled labour significantly delay project completions. The study also reveals inadequacies in current management strategies to handle the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Furthermore, ACMTC showed potential in improving project resilience and management effectiveness during disruptions. Research Limitations/Implications: Longitudinal studies are recommended to track changes over time. Also, qualitative insights could enrich the understanding of ACMTC's practical implementation.Practical Implications: The study underscores the need for construction industry stakeholders to revise management strategies and integrate adaptable theoretical models like ACMTC to better handle future disruptions, ensuring project continuity and efficiency. Social Implications: By improving project management practices, the construction industry can better sustain employment and project delivery during crises, contributing to economic stability and worker welfare. Originality/Value: This research contributes to academic and practical fields by empirically testing the Adaptive Chaos Management Theory in a real-world setting and highlighting its relevance in crisis scenarios, offering a novel approach to managing construction projects during pandemics.

Introduced in 2019, South Africa's carbon tax imposes escalating financial penalties on companies exceeding emissions limits, reaching up to six billion rand annually. This study examines the perceived competencies of Construction Project Managers (CPMs) in green retrofitting against standards set by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and develops Cognitive Competency Theory (CCT), testing its tenets in reality. The research employs qualitative methods, interviewing thirteen experienced CPMs in green refurbishment. Findings reveal that CPMs are pivotal in balancing carbon tax demands and advancing sustainable development. However, they often lack a full understanding of their role in environmental protection and compliance with carbon tax regulations. The study concludes that while CPMs are essential in navigating the complexities of green retrofitting, there is a need for future research to explore the evolving role of CPMs in relation to regulatory pressures and industry standards. The Centre for the Built Environment emphasises that CPMs must possess competencies across various stages of project development, but sustainability competencies are not yet standardised in the industry.

The characteristics of low-income housing in Namibia include severe inequality in housing standards, heavy reliance on non-office jobs, overcrowding, and poor infrastructure. This study uses a survey and semi-structured interviews to investigate the improved service delivery of this low-income housing. It explores this through the perspectives of community-based facilities management, sustainability, and enterprise development. In particular, the study examines opportunities for enterprise development, the willingness to participate in the production and management of public services, and the current state of public services in selected settlements in Windhoek. The results show that a lack of access to fire safety, disaster prevention, recreation, green spaces and tourist facilities are gaps in service delivery. Residents are willing to participate in both the co-production and management of public services. The study also found that residents have the appropriate skills to enable their engagement in management and production, and suitable governance structures are put in place to foster trust. The study recommends a policy that requires community visioning focused on public service improvement. It also calls for renewed trends in low-income people’s participation in public service development processes. The study’s contribution to existing knowledge on this subject is that it produced a multi-faceted framework for improving public services in low-income housing that is based on principles (and actions) of sustainability and policy (and planning) of land/housing access and has the potential to lead to public service-based community wellbeing.

Purpose This research aims to ascertain the extent to which the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic affected the relationship between inflation and real estate investment trusts (REITs) returns in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach This research used the Johansen cointegration test and effective test in establishing if there is a long-run cointegrating equation between the variables. To ascertain if COVID-19 resulted in a different relationship regime between inflation and REITs returns, the sequential Bai–Perron method was used. Findings Between December 2013 and July 2022, there was no evidence of a long-run relationship between inflation and REITs returns, and a restricted vector autoregressive (VAR) model with a period lag for each variable best describing the relationship. Using the sequential Bai–Perron method, for one break, the results show February 2020 as a structural break in the relationship. A cointegrating equation is also found for the period before the structural break and another after the break. Interestingly, the relationship is negative before the break and a new positive relationship (regime) is confirmed after the noted break. Practical implications This research helps REITs stakeholders to position themselves in light of any changes to macroeconomic activity within South Africa. Originality/value This is one of the first studies to test inflation relationship with REITs returns in South Africa and the effects of COVID-19 thereof. This research helps REITs stakeholders to position themselves in light of any changes to macroeconomic activity within South Africa.

The issue of urban decay is a common challenge experienced globally, characterised by the deterioration of buildings, declining economic activity, and increasing crime and unemployment rates. Urban regeneration policies have been introduced to revitalise infrastructure, housing, and economic activities while reducing unemployment and crime. However, such policies often raise concerns about gentrification, which may lead to the displacement of low-income residents from regenerated areas. This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework that can mitigate the negative effects of gentrification resulting from urban regeneration. A systematic literature review is employed to propose the conceptual framework, which draws from sociological institutionalism and investment theories to reduce gentrification effects by engaging all stakeholders. The context of Johannesburg, South Africa is particularly important in guiding future urban regeneration policies and practices to ensure equitable distribution of regeneration benefits among all community members.

Urban informality is fast becoming a permanent feature in cities not only in the global South but also in the global North, hence the need to include it in the delivery systems of the city for sustainable urbanity. However informal settlements are left out in the service delivery systems of cities and this has created spatial deprivation in the city. The exclusion of urban informality is not only a denial of their right to the city but also a denial of environmental justice to these people, which also constitute unsustainable housing. Including informal settlements in the urban fabric will result in sustainable housing because the housing delivery is very important in attaining sustainable development goals. All cities therefore need to provide its services to all the city inhabitants for inclusive and sustainable city. Informal settlements demands safe and liveable spaces for their well being and the sustainability of the city. Effective waste management in informal settlements does not only reflect the inclusivity of the city but is also an important pillar for sustainable city. The research used a mixed methods approach to data collection, where both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data. The research find out that informal settlements in Masvingo city are excluded from the waste collection services and this is imposing an impending danger to their lives because of life threatening environments that surround informal settlements.