Innovation is at the heart of progress, and this April, the Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) office at the North-West University (NWU) joins the global community in celebrating World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD).

Observed annually on 26 April, WIPD shines a spotlight on how intellectual property (IP) – from patents and trademarks to copyright and designs – shapes everyday life and fuels creativity across industries.

The slight rise in the March headline inflation was expected at this stage. Core inflation increased from 3,0% to 3,2%.

Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says the full impact of the global oil price shock, together with the higher fuel and Road Accident Fund levies, adjusted carbon taxes and higher Eskom tariffs implemented on 1 April will only be seen in subsequent months.

It is the battle of the billionaires as two of the most powerful heavyweights in the tech industry will step into the ring on Monday 27 April in Oakland, California, when Elon Musk’s lawsuit against Sam Altman goes to trial.

The North-West University (NWU) continues to advance its commitment to student success and holistic development through strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange.

In this regard, the acting campus director for student life on the Potchefstroom Campus, Funani Mabala, led a delegation on a benchmarking visit to the University of Pretoria from 19 to 23 April 2026.

The 2026 Varsity Cup Young Guns (YS) campaign may be over, but the FNB NWU YGs have once again proven why they remain one of the toughest sides in the competition. Although they fell short of winning the title, the season offered valuable lessons in growth and resilience.

The NWU YGs failed to reach the semi-finals for the first time in seven years, and this highlights the competitiveness of the tournament and the magnitude of the challenge they faced.

The North-West University (NWU) Water Research Group (WRG) hosted its annual Life Below Water outreach event on Saturday, 11 April 2026, drawing 120 children to the Lekwena Wildlife Estate for a morning of hands-on learning focused on aquatic ecosystems and environmental awareness.

According to North-West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor Prof. Bismark Tyobeka higher education institutions have a role to play in supporting governance reform at local municipalities - many of which are in disarray.

“Universities can contribute to the rehabilitation of local government through research, skills development and evidence-based policy input,” he said during a public lecture by Dr Ben Bole, head of the Department for North West Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) on13 April.

The North-West University (NWU) will roll out a new mental-health support system this month, bringing a national crisis network onto its campuses as demand for student support continues to rise.

The university has partnered with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) to provide counselling, crisis intervention and support services to all registered students.

• Severe teacher shortages, with tens of thousands of vacant posts, are destroying learning conditions.
• “Learners are being left defenceless in places meant to protect and nurture them.” – Dr Marelize Vergottini.
• “Without dedicated psychosocial support, these conditions will continue to hinder learning and jeopardise children’s futures.” – Dr Vergottini.

The Dusi Canoe Marathon is not for the faint-hearted. Known as one of South Africa’s toughest endurance races, it pushes paddlers to their limits with punishing portages, technical rapids, and the relentless heat of the valley. For North-West University (NWU) students Craig Cribbins and Ethan Kleu, the 2026 Dusi was more than just a race. It was a test of character, resilience, and heart.