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Social network sites, most notably Facebook, have fundamentally transformed the way information is transferred, received, and shared by individuals and organisations. This article explores the diverse contexts in which Facebook is utilised as a knowledge-sharing instrument, along with the key challenges encountered in adopting Facebook as a knowledge-sharing instrument. It also indicates the gaps in adopting Facebook as a knowledge-sharing instrument. In a systematic literature review, 400 articles accomplishing the research objectives were identified. The findings revealed that Facebook can be used in different contexts. Greater awareness of Facebook's versatility as a platform for knowledge sharing across various domains is recommended. This article also advises that the challenges related to cost, time investment and technical expertise be addressed, and emphasises the need for education and training.

Aging dogs serve as a valuable preclinical model for Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to their natural age-related development of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques, human-like metabolism, and large brains that are ideal for studying structural brain aging trajectories from serial neuroimaging. Here we examined the effects of chronic treatment with the calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) tacrolimus or the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)-inhibiting compound Q134R on age-related canine brain atrophy from a longitudinal study in middle-aged beagles (36 females, 7 males) undergoing behavioral enrichment. Annual MRI was analyzed using modern, automated techniques for region-of-interest-based and voxel-based volumetric assessments. We found that the frontal lobe showed accelerated atrophy with age, while the caudate nucleus remained relatively stable. Remarkably, the hippocampus increased in volume in all dogs. None of these changes were influenced by tacrolimus or Q134R treatment. Our results suggest that behavioral enrichment can prevent atrophy and increase the volume of the hippocampus but does not prevent aging-associated prefrontal cortex atrophy.

Abstract Background Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is one of the kidney replacement therapy (KRT) modalities used in patients with kidney failure. It is the preferred modality in most resource-limited settings as it is more accessible and cost-effective. CAPD technique failure remains a challenge and is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. We aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, CAPD survival rate and the reasons for CAPD technique failure over a five-year period among adult patients on CAPD at a tertiary hospital in South Africa. Methods We conducted a retrospective analytical study reviewing files of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) whose peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter was removed, or who died with a functioning PD catheter while on the PD program at Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa, from 01 January 2015 until 31 December 2019. The demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected from patients' medical records. Clinical outcomes were technique failure and survival. Results Ninety-one patient records met the inclusion criteria of whom 51 (56.0%) were male. The median age at commencement of PD was 40 years (interquartile range [IQR] 18–58). Fifty-one (57.3%) patients were single and 64 (70.0%) were unemployed. Hypertension was the leading cause of ESKD (n = 47; 51.6%), followed by human immunodeficiency virus- (HIV-) associated conditions (n = 18; 19.8%). Technique failure rates at 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-years post-PD initiation were 31.9%, 35.2%, 13.2%, 8.8% and 11.0%, respectively. The 5-year survival rate was 63.7% (n = 58), with a median survival time of 26 months (IQR 1–54). Peritonitis was the leading cause of technique failure (n = 52; 57.1%), and almost a third (n = 29 (31.9%)) had a fatal outcome. Younger age and using the Dianeal® PD system were associated with an increased likelihood of technique failure. No other sociodemographic, laboratory and clinical factors were associated with the development of technique failure or death. Conclusions PD-associated peritonitis is the primary cause of technique failure, followed by sudden unexpected death occurring at home. Preventive measures need to be adhered to in order to avoid high rates of peritonitis.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the implementation of online assessments at an unprecedented pace. The pandemic required most higher education institutions worldwide to implement online assessments almost overnight. The study aimed to gain an understanding of auditing students’ perceptions of online assessments and e-proctoring systems during the pandemic. A web-based questionnaire was administered to postgraduate auditing students who had taken part in remote online assessments at an open distance and e-learning university in South Africa, invigilated via e-proctoring software, which was introduced in the 2020 academic year. A total of 238 students participated in the study. Factor analysis, using principal component factor analysis, was performed to identify the factors or components that possibly caused the variation in these auditing students’ perceptions of online assessments and e-proctoring. Varimax with Kaiser normalisation was used as a rotation method. This process revealed five main components that explained variations in participants’ perceptions, namely: Component 1—emotions (assessments), appropriateness (assessments), fairness (assessments), monetary aspects, and time; Component 2—practical IT matters, academic integrity (e-proctoring) and cheating (e-proctoring); Component 3—practical IT matters (e-proctoring) and emotions (e-proctoring); Component 4—practical IT matters (assessments) and time (assessments); and Component 5—cheating (assessments). Implications of the findings for educators are offered, along with recommendations for future research.

Water management systems must become more adaptable to alleviate projected shortfalls. Integrated socio-institutional and technological interventions are required to generate sustained change in irrigation water management and the profitability for smallholders and their schemes. We illustrate this by conducting an ex-post analysis of the ‘Transforming Irrigation in Southern Africa’ (TISA) project, which was implemented in two phases from 2013 to 17 and 2017–2023. The project introduced institutional and technological innovations to smallholder irrigation schemes in Tanzania, Mozambique and Zimbabwe: Agricultural Innovation Platforms as a participatory approach to engage farmers and stakeholders; and soil moisture monitoring tools to support farmer learning. We hypothesised that these innovations, despite differing socioeconomic and biophysical conditions in the three countries, would work synergistically to improve farmers’ adaptive capacity and generate sustained change. In this paper, we test our hypotheses through a synthesis of peer-reviewed TISA literature, focussing on four smallholder irrigation schemes and five factors identified in the literature as critical for increasing farmers’ adaptive capacity. Drawing predominantly on household surveys administered at the beginning, middle and end of the TISA project, we analyse a set of relevant indicators linked to the five factors. In addition to many changes, we found changes in irrigation management, including a reduction in total water use to less than half pre-TISA levels. Further, the changes were sustained when the schemes transitioned from an intensive research-for-development phase into a more operational phase. This research also shows that when governments listen to farming communities and revise institutional arrangements, such as water scheduling and scheme constitutions, this fosters more sustainable irrigated agriculture. We conclude that when initiating development projects for sustained change within smallholder irrigation schemes policy makers and donors must commit sufficient project time and funding for both a development phase and a transition to an operational phase. Programs must take a participatory approach and support multiple interventions including both socio-institutional and technological interventions.

Study region: Verlorenvlei Catchment (∼1 890 km2) is an agriculture-dominated area (∼43 % per km2) on South Africa’s west coast. This semi-arid region has variable rainfall and high evaporation rates, affecting the three major aquifers and Verlorenvlei – a RAMSAR-listed estuarine lake. Study focus: Natural processes (i.e., extended dry periods and evaporation) and anthropogenic activities (i.e., agricultural expansion and groundwater abstraction) have threatened Verlorenvlei’s ecological functions. Seasonal and spatial changes between the water sources (i.e., direct rainfall, surface water, and groundwater) supporting Verlorenvlei were determined using δ18O and δ2H isotopes and hydrochemical analyses. Inter-basin aquifer contribution was investigated to assist in explaining Verlorenvlei's slow recovery since the recent 2015 – 2018 Western Cape drought. New insights: A proportion of groundwater from outside the topographic and surface-water delineated catchment supports Verlorenvlei during the dry month of April (i.e., G30F Langvlei sub-catchment). Furthermore, Verlorenvlei experiences high evaporation (evaporation best fit line: δ2H = 12.49 x δ18O - 47.68, average δ2H value of 47.1 ‰ and average δ18O value of 7.64 ‰) compared to its feeding rivers. Two sandstone and shale-dominated sub-catchments exhibit overlapping groundwater δ18O and δ2H values and water types to the sub-catchment in the nearest vicinity of Verlorenvlei, suggesting a disproportionately high groundwater contribution from these sub-catchments to Verlorenvlei. Evaluation of Verlorenvlei’s water balance should consider both surface water and groundwater sources, particularly from inter-basin aquifer sources during prolonged droughts.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a significant cause of liver disease globally, is recognised as a 2030 elimination target by the World Health Organization (WHO). Healthcare workers (HCWs) require appropriate HBV knowledge to identify, manage and prevent HBV. Aim: We investigated the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) pertaining to HBV among HCWs to establish insights into awareness and inform the delivery of training. Setting: The study was conducted among HCWs of 18 primary healthcare facilities in Bloemfontein, Free State province, South Africa. Methods: Data were collected via anonymous, self-applied, 28-question-questionnaires in English. Data were captured on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analysed by a biostatistician, using Statistical Analyses Software (SAS 9.4). Results: The response rate was 88% (88/100), and median participant age was 44 years. Participants were mostly female (83%), professional nurses (65%) with more than 8 years of experience (60%). Median scores were 83% for epidemiology and transmission, 50% for clinical picture, 44% for laboratory diagnosis, 40% for management and 40% for prevention. No difference was noted based on number of years of experience. Conclusion: Considerable gaps in KAP to HBV were noted among primary HCWs in Bloemfontein. Larger studies are needed to ascertain the KAP towards HBV among South African HCWs, to identify areas for enhanced training. Contribution: Hepatitis B virus, an important cause of liver disease in Africa, is poorly identified and managed. Our study highlights the need to strengthen HCW education to ensure individuals are appropriately diagnosed, managed and educated on preventative measures, to reduce the burden of disease.

We evaluated a couple-based intervention targeting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care needs of women, with the option to support HIV-related needs of male partners. Adult women with HIV adherence difficulties in a monogamous relationship with a male partner for ≥6 months were recruited in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Twenty couples were randomized (1:1) to either START Together, a five-session manualized behavioral intervention, or treatment as usual, adherence counseling referral. Assessments were completed at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up. Of the ten couples randomized to START Together, 70% attended at least one intervention session (feasibility); of those, 71% attended all five sessions (acceptability). Independently rated interventionist fidelity was very high ( M ≥ 2.94 out of 3). Women's self-reported antiretroviral therapy adherence increased similarly in both interventions. For men, self-reported antiretroviral therapy adherence increased up to 25 percentage points in START Together, but not treatment as usual. Findings suggest that START Together may be potentially beneficial for improving HIV outcomes for men.

Baited traps are a basic component of both specific and generic surveillance programs targeting wood-boring beetles at risk of introduction to new habitats because of global trade. Among the numerous protocols developed over the years for generic surveillance of longhorn beetles, jewel beetles, and bark and ambrosia beetles is the simultaneous use of black multi-funnel traps set up in the understory and green multi-funnel traps set up in the canopy of forested areas surrounding ports and other entry points. These traps are commonly baited with multi-lure blends of pheromones and host volatiles. In this study, we tested this trapping protocol in areas surrounding eight entry points located in Europe and North America to determine: i) the relative performance of black-understory traps and green-canopy traps among the targeted taxa; and ii) whether the dissimilarity among communities of beetles collected by the understory vs. canopy traps was affected by taxon and amount of forest cover in the traps’ surroundings. A total of 96,963 individuals belonging to 358 species of wood-boring beetles were collected, including 21 non-native species. Black-understory multi-funnel traps were generally more efficient than green-canopy multi-funnel traps for detecting longhorn beetles and bark and ambrosia beetles, whereas the opposite trend was observed for jewel beetles. Differences between beetle communities caught in black-understory and green-canopy traps were mainly attributed to differences in species richness in jewel beetles, while both differences in species richness and species turnover contributed to the dissimilarity between communities of longhorn beetles and bark and ambrosia beetle. The difference in the number of jewel beetle species caught by the two trapping methodologies decreased with increasing forest cover, whereas species turnover increased when moving from an urban-dominated to a forest-dominated landscape. Overall, these results suggest that the simultaneous use of both black-understory and green-canopy multi-funnel traps can be considered a very efficient approach for generic surveillance of longhorn beetles, jewel beetles and bark and ambrosia beetles in both urban-dominated and forest-dominated areas surrounding entry points.

Aan die UOVS is die Career Preparation Programme (CPP) sederr 1993 in werking om as gereedmakings- en toelatingsmeganisme die oorgang tot tersiere onderrig van studente van histories swart hoerskole te vergemaklik. Hierdie arcikel !ewer verslag oar 'n ondersoek na die langrermyndoeltreffendheid van die CPP. Verskeie prestasieindekse van die 1993- en 1994-innames van CPP-studenre is met die ooreenscemmende indekse van swart studente war onderskeidelik in 1994 en 1995 regstreeks tot die UOVS toegelaat is, vergelyk na groepverskille in vorige akademiese prestasie (matriekpunte) srarisries in berekening gebring is. Die prestasie-indekse wac aangewend is, was die gemiddelde kurrikulumpersentasiepunte en die getal verwerfde krediete (in die afsonderlike studiejare, sowel as kumulatief) en die srudiescakings- en gradueringskoerse. Die resultate suggereer dat die CPP-scudente aan die hand van geen van hierdie operasionaliserings van akademiese prestasie enigsi ns beter gevaar het as wat op grand van hul swak matriekprestasie voorspel sou kon word nie.

Background: The increasing awareness of chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity has established a unique sub-speciality – cardio-oncology. However, consensus guidelines are still emerging. Patients at risk of cardiotoxicity should be identified and managed timeously to strike the balance between adequate cancer treatment and the impact of cardiovascular side-effects. Aim: To investigate chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpressed breast cancer patients receiving anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab. Setting: Universitas Hospital Annex, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Universitas Hospital Annex during 2019 and 2020. Data collected included baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measurement, repeat LVEF prior to trastuzumab treatment and after cycles 3, 6, 9 and 12, and the presence of known cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Thirty-one patients were evaluated. Seven (22.6%) patients were not eligible to receive trastuzumab after anthracycline treatment, and 11 (35.5%) patients were unable to complete the intended 6 months of adjuvant trastuzumab as per departmental protocol. Overall, the majority of patients (58.1%) who were planned to receive sequential anthracycline- and trastuzumab-based therapy did not complete the intended course, because of premature cessation of trastuzumab secondary to the detection of a decreasing LVEF. No significant correlation was observed between age, being overweight, laterality (left), pre-existing hypertension, diabetes mellitus, serum albumin, smoking or cardiotoxicity. Conclusion: Cardiovascular surveillance in patients receiving potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy is recommended, especially in our population experiencing a disproportionately higher decline in cardiac function. Contribution: The findings emphasise the impact and raise awareness of chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity in breast cancer treatment.

This article investigates the reasons behind interwovenness and the profound philosophical thought that a God must be a part of the brain’s predictive processing entropies. The article accomplishes this by utilising South African theologian Wentzel J. van Huyssteen’s epistemological consciousness as an added benefit in examining our planet and, as a result, our cosmic universe, which transcends human God notions. This article caters for academics interested in the science-religion dispute on the existence of life inside the integrated metaphysical God. In this article, the connection between metaphysicality, free energy and Van Huyssteen’s epistemic consciousness is used as metaphor(s) in our estimates of what life is, which includes a God, as it will show that we as humans can reasonably expect to exist beyond this (the) Earth. It is therefore the primary question that resonates with the whole of the universe as well as the minute fragmentation that is humans, only recently identified as sapiens, that sigh, or even better, long for a God, that encloses the question of: are we as humans made of, organs, metabolic systems, cells, atoms, memories or passions, that are a plausible mixture of an effective cognitive and affective cocktail, so to speak? Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article proposes a dual paradox that theology and science are not only in opposition yet are, juxtaposing (therefore integrating) one another. They share a very astute understanding of free energy from both a mathematical (natural sciences) and philosophical (theological) evolutionary epistemological perspective.

Orientation: Environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance remains crucial information required by stakeholders as they are interested in monitoring whether companies contribute to sustainability or not. Research purpose: The study’s purpose was to determine how the sample companies scored on the three pillars of ESG performance and to determine the relationship between ESG scores and the financial performance of selected South African listed companies, with special reference to the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on that relationship. Motivation for the study: Because of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, companies tend to focus on their ESG-impact, resulting in them investing in sustainable operations. Research approach/design and method: Linear mixed-effect regression analysis models were developed to determine the relationship between ESG scores and financial performance. The sample consisted of 104 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) from 2017 to 2022. Main findings: We found that companies do not equitably score on the ESG performance pillars. We also found the following significant relationships: (1) Return on equity (ROE) positively impacts governance performance, (2) ESG positively impacts Tobin’s Q and (3) governance performance positively impacts ROE. Furthermore, the results show that sustainability and financial performance before and after COVID-19 are mainly not meaningful. Practical/managerial implications: New insights are revealed in the interests of shareholders, potential investors and company management regarding how to interpret the relationship between ESG pillars and financial ratios. Contribution/value-add: We contribute to the theory as a conceptual framework was developed to interpret the results within the shareholder’s theory.

Background: Lifestyle factors of medical doctors are essential to their health and well-being. Previous studies omitted factors that constituted a healthy lifestyle and did not differentiate between various medical specialties or level of seniority which may expose doctors to different stress levels, workload and responsibility. The study assessed the lifestyle factors of medical doctors and compared them between departments, levels of seniority, years of experience and gender according to globally recognised health standards. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study collected data using a questionnaire created by the researchers based on healthy lifestyle factors and was administered online. Access was given to all doctors from four large departments, employed at two academic hospitals in Bloemfontein, Free State who agreed to participate in the study. Results: Consultants from paediatrics, with 6+ years in medical practice, had the healthiest lifestyles. Registrars and interns from surgical disciplines such as obstetrics and gynaecology and surgery, with 1–5 years of medical practice, showed unhealthy lifestyles with inadequate sleep and exercise. Conclusion: The challenge remains how medical doctors can live a healthy lifestyle while managing a demanding schedule. This may impact on the management of their patients and the doctors’ overall health and well-being. We recommend improving the working conditions by providing healthy meals on-site at hospitals with adequate breaks, reducing the heavy workload and providing exercise facilities. Contribution: The findings from this article may help improve the lifestyles of the identified groups of at-risk doctors and assist them in seeking ways to improve upon this.

Key Clinical Message Neuroendocrine tumors of the bladder are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all bladder tumors. Among these, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is an extremely uncommon subtype. We report on a histologically confirmed case of mixed both large and small cells neuroendocrine tumor of the bladder in a 64‐year‐old male with a history of bilharzial cystitis. The diagnosis was made after radical cystectomy with Immunohistochemical staining revealing positivity for synaptophysin, CD56, and AE1/3. While bilharzia is commonly linked to squamous cell carcinoma in the bladder, the potential relationship with neuroendocrine tumors is still relatively unexplored in this context. This case marks the first reported instance of the atypical coexistence of bilharzial cystitis and mixed large and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder. This unique case of coexisting highlights a rare phenomenon warranting further study. Similar associations have been documented in other organs, emphasizing the importance of exploring underlying mechanisms and clinical implications for improved patient care and outcomes.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a collection of risk factors, including hypertension, high fasting blood glucose, high fasting triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels that may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS among adults attending a Free State district hospital’s outpatient department. Methods: A cross-sectional study included a consecutive sample of consenting patients 18 years and older from 18 October 2021 to 19 November 2021. Patients’ waist circumference was measured, and data were extracted from patients’ files. Results: The 409 participants were predominantly females (64.2%). The median age was 60 years. Triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels were available for 27.4% and 26.9% of patients, respectively. Of the 278 (68.0%) patients with sufficient information to determine their MetS status, 187 (67.3%) had MetS. Of the males with sufficient information, 49.1% (n = 56/114) had MetS compared to 79.9% (n = 131/164) of the females with sufficient information (p 0.001). The age group 60–79 years had the highest prevalence (76.7%, p 0.001). In all race groups, at least two-thirds of patients had MetS (p = 0.831). Conclusion: Incomplete patient notes and failure to do investigations led to a third of patients not having sufficient information to determine their MetS status. In patients with sufficient information, a high prevalence of MetS was found. Contribution: This study highlights the challenges of determining MetS retrospectively in an outpatient population and the need for completeness of medical note keeping and routine investigations in high-risk patients. It also notes the high prevalence of MetS.

Background: Although Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) offer innovative, objective, and fair methods of clinical assessment, their quality is compromised by poor planning and design. Aim: This study aimed to describe the development and present evidence-based recommendations on strengthening the planning and design of OSCEs for a South African public College of Nursing. Setting: A South African public College of Nursing. Methods: Recommendations were developed based on synthesising two sets of qualitative data. Set 1 included two main themes with each of the four sub-themes related to barriers and facilitators towards quality in OSCE designs from 14 nurse educator interviews and 15 external moderator reports. Set 2 included 12 quality measures to be adopted in the quality design of OSCEs derived from an integrative literature review. The draft recommendations were reviewed by eight experts to be finalised. Results: Seven recommendations were developed for strengthening OSCEs’ planning and design, related to: (1) policy framework, standard operating procedures and stakeholder code of conduct; (2) blueprinting and mapping of the OSCE content; (3) developing a bank of OSCE stations; (4) scoring rubric and standard-setting method selection; (5) examiners and standardised patients’ recruitment and training; (6) venue selection; and (7) station piloting. Conclusion: The seven developed recommendations can strengthen the quality of OSCEs in the South African public College of Nursing context. Contribution: The developed recommendations can assist nurse educators in planning and designing to conduct quality OSCEs following piloting and implementation.

Background: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is one of the most critical and expensive lifesaving treatment modalities. A clinical audit is a valuable instrument to determine whether transfusion practices align with the guidelines and identify knowledge deficiencies. The study aimed to evaluate the RBC transfusion practices and patient outcomes at the National District Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and to determine adherence to transfusion guidelines. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted. All blood transfusion registers in the hospital were used to identify transfusion episodes during the study period. Files were retrieved from the admissions office and information captured on a paper-based datasheet. The appropriateness of the transfusion and adherence to the South African transfusion guidelines were evaluated using specific criteria. Results: Of the 118 transfusion episodes during the study period, 78 files were retrieved and 76 included in the study. The patients’ median age was 47 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 32–66 years), with human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) (n = 34; 44.7%) being the most common comorbid condition. Pre-transfusion haemoglobin was documented for all patients with a median of 4.6 g/dL (IQR: 3.95 g/dL – 5.5 g/dL). The audit revealed that in 68.4% (n = 52) of the cases, the guidelines were applied appropriately. Conclusion: The study described the blood transfusion practices and identified shortcomings when compared with the standard clinical guidelines. Contribution: The study highlights the importance of applying rationale, caution and consideration of the specific patient profile when performing transfusions.

Available evidence of oral sensorimotor interventions for small neonates is not strong. Evidence of interventions for sick term neonates is largely lacking. Studies are limited by risk of bias and inconsistency. Evidence of interventions relying on a single stimulation technique only appears to be low to very low. Ongoing research is required. Contribution: We describe a five-component neonatal swallowing and breastfeeding intervention programme embedded in the practice of kangaroo mother care (KMC). Drawing on oropharyngeal physiology, neonatology, neurodevelopmental care, breastfeeding- and KMC science, the programme is the product of collaboration between a speech-language therapist and a medical doctor, and their team. Its implementation is dependent on coaching mothers and the neonatal care team. Researchers are invited to determine outcomes of the programme.

Science investments should benefit everyone; however, research still predominantly lacks gender integration, resulting in incomplete findings and inequitable outcomes. Moreover, despite some progress, gender disparities persist in the research workforce. Research funders, including science granting councils, are pivotal in driving gender transformation through shaping knowledge production and research infrastructure. We report on key findings from the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Gender Equality and Inclusivity (GEI) Project – a multi-year participatory intervention aimed at strengthening the capacities of councils to integrate GEI across their functions. Participating councils were located in 13 African countries, and their actions spanned four domains: building organisational GEI infrastructure; reshaping norms, practices, and power relations that perpetuate gender inequality; implementing targeted measures to address women’s unequal access to resources and research opportunities; and promoting collective ownership of efforts to advance GEI in the research and innovation ecosystem. Significance: • Achieving gender transformation in research and innovation hinges on addressing two intertwined challenges: structural gender inequality in higher education and research institutions, and a lack of gender integration in research content and design. • Grant-makers influence decisions about who conducts and participates in research, the types of research approaches and topics prioritised, and the populations that benefit from research findings. Adopting a GEI lens in these decisions enhances research quality and promotes equity. • Our findings pinpoint entry points for leveraging grant-making practices to advance gender transformation and underscore the importance of rooting such interventions in context.