Manufacturing plants in South Africa face significant operational risks that can impact productivity and profitability. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using academic databases. Studies were assessed for methodological rigor and relevance to South African contexts. Findings indicate that a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data significantly enhances the accuracy of risk assessment models, reducing uncertainties by up to 20% in manufacturing environments. The systematic review highlights the importance of robust methodological frameworks for effective risk management in South African manufacturing sectors. Manufacturing companies should adopt a hybrid analytical strategy incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques for comprehensive risk reduction strategies. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.