The broad economic and fiscal strategies outlined in the 2025 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) are realistic and credible given South Africa’s challenging economic context.

In commenting on the 2025 MTBPS that Finance Minister Enoch Godwanga presented to Parliament on 12 November, Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, believes it represents a visible turning point in advancing the priorities of a stable, growing, competitive and inclusive economy. 

For more than two decades, the African Nutrition Leadership Programme (ANLP) of the North-West University (NWU) has been shaping the future of nutrition leadership on the continent. Since its first programme in 2002, this flagship 10-day residential initiative, hosted annually at the NWU, has developed over 500 professionals from more than 40 African countries. This year alone this flagship programme will reach close to 50 professionals from 10 African countries.

• STEM education needs to be put in the spotlight for South Africa to revive its ailing education sector. 
• The education system is not producing underachievers; it is manufacturing exclusion. 
• Teaching must be restored to its former prestige, which is a respected, aspirational career rather than a reluctant fallback. 
• The state must confront its own complacency.

By Prof Linda du Plessis

• “The future of Africa depends on ethical leaders who can guide their institutions through the complex intersection of technology, knowledge, and justice,” says Prof Linda du Plessis.

• “African leaders must evolve beyond political or institutional authority to become visionary stewards of digital transformation with an unwavering commitment to ethical and inclusive innovation.”

• “One of the greatest challenges for African higher education leaders is navigating political pressure while safeguarding academic freedom.”

At a time when teachers are so often regarded as the unsung heroes of society, growing attention is being paid to the emotional burden they carry on a daily basis. The question is no longer whether teachers are under pressure, but rather how long they can withstand it without severe consequences for their own well-being and for the future of South Africa’s children. Dr Marelize Vergottini, senior lecturer in Social Work at the North-West University (NWU), cautions that the emotional well-being of our teachers is in a state of crisis – one that can no longer be ignored.

The latest gross domestic product (GDP) figures released by StatsSA on 9 September are much better news on the growth front than we have received for some time.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says that, as was broadly expected, the GDP figures for the second quarter of 2025 confirm that the incipient economic recovery has accelerated and widened by involving several more sectors in supporting economic growth.