The negative gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures of -0,2% for the second quarter of 2026 confirm the bad knock the South African economy – together with many other economies – took as a result of the recent global energy shock. StatsSA released the latest figures on 8 September.
Deep pockets will no longer suffice; we now need them to extend all the way down to our knees. The fuel price increases that took effect on Wednesday, 2 September will place further strain on an economy struggling to keep its head above water. Achieving National Treasury’s already modest growth forecast of 1.6% for 2026 will be difficult enough, never mind exceeding it.
Africa must brace for a powerful El Niño that could bring punishing heat and drought to the south, while triggering excessive rainfall and flooding in parts of the east.
A severe El Niño could threaten harvests, water supplies, household budgets, public health and electricity generation across Africa.
Two North-West University (NWU) scholars have received national recognition for research addressing two defining challenges of the modern age: the impact of HIV on African communities and the growing influence of artificial intelligence on journalism.
Prof. Monray Williams and Soligah Solomons were honoured at the National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards ceremony in Gqeberha on Thursday, 3 September.
More than 99% of the world’s Blue Cranes live in South Africa, yet our national bird remains one of the country’s most underused tourism assets.
The Blue Crane is a living part of South Africa’s heritage, yet the species’ ‘Vulnerable’ status shows that national-symbol status does not guarantee survival.
South African households are counting every rand, but the retailers competing for their money have a formidable advantage: they understand how people shop, often better than shoppers understand themselves.
From the moment customers collect a trolley, they enter an environment carefully designed to influence where they walk, what they notice and how much they spend. Store layouts, shelf positions, scents, sounds, prices and loyalty programmes all play a part.
The North-West University (NWU) has achieved an exceptional 99% pass rate in the combined January and June 2026 Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) examinations administered by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
The achievement places the NWU well above the national combined pass rate of 73%. In the January examination, the university recorded a pass rate of 97%, compared with the national average of 65%.
The North-West University (NWU) has reached a decisive milestone in establishing the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine following the accreditation of its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE).
The CHE confirmed the accreditation in correspondence dated 21 August 2026. The six-year, 940-credit programme will be offered in contact mode at the Potchefstroom Campus.
South Africa was developing HALEU-range nuclear fuel years before it became a global strategic priority.
The knowledge acquired through the PBMR programme could help South Africa re-enter the advanced nuclear fuel market.
A green-and-gold jersey bearing the leaping springbok. It is synonymous not only with South Africa’s national rugby team, but with the country as a whole. The jersey can be seen in stadiums, pubs and public spaces across the globe.