Institutional News

Inflation pressures build, but South Africa may avoid drastic policy moves

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.

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NWU strengthens residence life through strategic benchmarking visit to University of Pretoria

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.

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Young Guns coach: 2026 was a season of growth

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.

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Universities must play their part in local government reform

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.

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NWU expands student mental-health support with SADAG roll-out

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.

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Crises in classrooms demand school social workers now

  • 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.

Dr Marelize Vergottini

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NWU students take on the Dusi

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.

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Nanostar technology at the NWU brings hope for early disease detection

At the North-West University (NWU), research is more than publishing, it is about transforming lives. This is the vision driving a team at the Centre for Human Metabolomics (CHM), where scientists developed a nanostar-based reagent that could revolutionise how rare diseases such as galactosemia are detected. The reagent promises significant advantages over conventional spherical gold nanoparticles, and demonstrates high sensitivity detection in biosensors, colorimetric assays, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and molecular diagnostics.

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