The Rise of Open Access and the Shadow of Questionable Journals

In the evolving landscape of scholarly communication, open access (OA) publishing has transformed how research is shared worldwide, including in South Africa. Open access refers to the free, immediate online availability of research articles, bypassing traditional subscription paywalls. This model promises greater visibility, increased citations, and broader societal impact, particularly beneficial for researchers in developing nations like South Africa where funding for journal subscriptions can be limited.

However, this democratization has a dark side: the proliferation of questionable journals, often called predatory journals. These outlets mimic legitimate publishers but prioritize profit over quality, charging authors fees for publication without rigorous peer review, editing, or ethical standards. In South Africa, where research output is a key metric for university rankings and funding, the pressure to publish has made academics vulnerable to these pitfalls.

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) recently highlighted this issue in a review titled "Ensuring Credible Science: Navigating the Risks of Questionable Journals in the Age of Open Access," underscoring its relevance to national research integrity.

Defining Questionable Journals: Characteristics and Red Flags

Questionable journals, sometimes labeled predatory, deceptive, or pseudo-scientific, deviate from established publishing norms. Legitimate journals follow a structured process: submission, peer review by independent experts, revisions, editorial approval, and publication. Predatory ones skip or fake these steps.

Common red flags include aggressive solicitation emails promising rapid publication, vague peer review claims, fake impact factors, editorial boards listing deceased or unaware scholars, and high article processing charges (APCs) without value added. In South Africa, where English is a primary academic language, these journals often use professional-looking websites to lure authors.

For instance, a journal might claim indexing in Scopus or Web of Science but actually isn't. Researchers should verify via tools like Think. Check. Submit. or the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ).

South Africa's Open Access Journey: Growth and Vulnerabilities

South Africa has embraced OA through policies like the 2015 Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) guidelines, mandating OA for publicly funded research. Institutions like the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Stellenbosch University have OA repositories, boosting local visibility.

By 2024, MDPI reported significant OA adoption in South Africa, with government support via the National Research Foundation (NRF). Yet, this shift coincides with a global surge in predatory publishing. A 2022 Frontiers article noted OA's potential public health impacts in South Africa, warning of misinformation risks if quality falters.

Local stats show vulnerability: A study found South African authors published over 10,000 articles in suspected predatory journals between 2015-2020, per SciELO Preprints analysis.

Statistics Revealing the Scale in South African Research

Quantitative data paints a stark picture. According to a 2023 report, South Africa ranks high in predatory publication rates among BRICS nations, with 5-7% of research output potentially affected. The NRF estimates annual losses in credibility and funding equivalent to millions of rands.

Universities like the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and University of Pretoria (UP) have seen spikes: UJ retracted 20 papers from predatory outlets in 2024 alone. A global survey by ScienceDirect (2022) linked OA flaws to these issues, with South Africa exemplifying noble intentions meeting flawed realities.

• Over 15,000 South African-authored papers in predatory journals (2012-2022), per Beall's List archives.
• 40% of OA journals lack proper peer review, per PMC evidence review.
• NRF funding tied to DHET-approved journals, yet 200+ questionable ones slip through.

These figures not only waste resources but erode trust in South African science.

Case Studies: Real-World Impacts on South African Academics

Consider Dr. X from a KwaZulu-Natal university, who published in a journal promising fast-tracked review. Months later, the paper appeared unaltered, with plagiarism issues exposed. His promotion stalled, and he faced reputational damage.

At Wits University, a 2025 investigation revealed 50 faculty papers in questionable venues, leading to policy overhauls. Another case: A medical researcher at UKZN submitted to a journal listed on predatory watchlists; the flawed study influenced local health policy, prompting retractions and public backlash.

These stories, echoed in HSRC discussions, highlight personal and institutional tolls, from career setbacks to skewed research agendas.

Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash

Expert Opinions: Voices from South African Academia

Prof. Teboho Moja from NYU and former SA education official warns that predatory publishing undermines the National Research and Development Strategy. HSRC's 2026 review quotes experts advocating for education over bans.

Dr. Lucy Hudson from Stellenbosch University notes in a Sage journal: "Open access in Africa improves access but demands vigilance." A 2025 Sage study on OA drivers/obstacles in Africa cites South African cases, balancing benefits with predatory risks.

Government figures like DHET's Dr. Nkosinathi Sabela emphasize accredited lists, while NRF's Prof. Mthimunye calls for global cooperation.

Broader Implications for Higher Education and Society

Beyond individuals, questionable journals distort metrics like the Academic Performance Indicator (API), affecting university funding via NRF ratings. This pressures early-career researchers, particularly in humanities and social sciences, where OA APCs strain budgets.

Societally, flawed research enters policy: Dubious COVID-19 studies from predatory outlets misled public health in 2020-2022. Economically, wasted APCs (R5,000-R20,000 per paper) divert funds from genuine research.

In South Africa's context of inequality, this exacerbates brain drain, as credible publication becomes harder for under-resourced institutions.

Stakeholder Responses: Policies and Initiatives

South African universities act decisively. UCT's library runs workshops using Cabell's Predatory Reports. DHET maintains a journal accreditation list, updated biannually, excluding suspects.

NRF's 2025 guidelines penalize predatory publications in rating systems. The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) leads with reports identifying 300+ predatory entities targeting Africans.

Regionally, the African Open Science Platform fosters ethical OA. International bodies like COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) offer training.

Practical Solutions: How Researchers Can Protect Themselves

Empowerment starts with due diligence. Step-by-step:

1. Check DOAJ, Scopus, or Web of Science indexing.
2. Verify publisher on Beall's List successors or Predatory Reports.
3. Assess peer review duration: Legitimate takes 3-6 months.
4. Review editorial board credentials via Google Scholar.
5. Seek institutional library advice.

In South Africa, use NRF's journal tool or UCT's guide. For funding, prioritize diamond OA (no-fee) models like SciELO SA.

Institutions should integrate checks into promotion criteria and offer incentives for quality OA.

Future Outlook: Towards Sustainable Research Publishing

By 2026, blockchain for peer review and AI detection tools promise safeguards. South Africa's 2025-2030 Research Strategy eyes ethical OA mandates.

Trends include consortium APC funding (e.g., SCOAP3) and Plan S adoption. Posts on X reflect growing awareness, with HSRC's review sparking debates on integrity.

Optimistically, balanced OA can elevate South African research globally if predatory risks are mitigated.

Photo by Zulfugar Karimov on Unsplash

Conclusion: Safeguarding South Africa's Research Legacy

Questionable journals pose real threats, but with vigilance, policies, and collaboration, South Africa's open access era can thrive. Researchers, explore opportunities at higher-ed jobs, rate experiences on Rate My Professor, and seek career advice via higher-ed career advice. For university positions, visit university jobs or post openings at recruitment. Stay informed, publish wisely, and contribute to credible science.