Duty-free access to China opens door for South African exports but risks remain

South Africa’s exporters may soon find a wider door opening in Beijing, but whether they can fully walk through it will depend on preparation at home. China’s move to allow duty-free imports on selected South African products signals stronger economic ties, yet it is no silver bullet for broader trade challenges.

According to North-West…

The All Blacks are coming, and so are the bucks!

It’s been 30 years since the New Zealand All Blacks last toured South Africa for a traditional rugby test series, but 2026 will see the old foes meet for three tests in the Republic and one abroad.

For rugby fans at home and in the Land of the Long White Cloud, The Greatest Rivalry Tour – which includes provincial matches between the…

NWU participates in Erasmus+ SacredTravels4Growth project kick-off in Albania

The North-West University (NWU) recently took part in the kick-off meeting of the Erasmus+-funded project, SacredTravels4Growth – Higher Education and Sustainable Growth through Religious Tourism - at the LOGOS University College in Tirana, Albania.

The project is co-funded by the European Union under the ERASMUS-EDU-2025-CBHE-STRAND-2…

A decade of dialogue and discovery at the SSIRC Conference

The 10th  Social Sciences  International Research Conference (SSIRC)held from 6 to 7 November 2025 at the Radisson Blu in Umhlanga, Durban, marked a significant milestone celebrating a decade of impactful dialogue, innovative research, and academic collaboration in the fields of social sciences and international research.

This…

Lower unemployment rate is welcome news

Prof. Raymond Parsons

The latest Labour Force Survey, which shows that the overall unemployment rate fell slightly from 33,2% in the second quarter to 31,9% in the third quarter, is welcome news on the jobs front. 

Prof. Raymond…

Empowering teens living with chronic illnesses

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Teens living with chronic diseases need not be defined by their illnesses but by their potential and determination to succeed.

Dr Kezell Klinck, senior lecturer in the School of Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU…

Public-private partnerships are key to reviving South Africa’s ailing transport sector

South Africa’s transport sector stands at a critical crossroads: unless urgent investment and private-sector participation are channelled into public transport infrastructure, the country’s economy will continue to stagnate.

North-West University (NWU) transport economist Dr Olebogeng Baikgaki says GDP growth for 2025 is expected to be…

Give South Africa’s transport system a digital boost, says NWU expert

South Africa’s sluggish transport system could find new momentum through digitalisation and sustainable investment, says transport economist Dr Olebogeng Baikgaki of the North-West University (NWU).

He argues that integrating digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and electric vehicles…

South Africa’s economic survival is dependent on fixing broken roads and railways

October is Transport Month in South Africa, but there is not much to celebrate as the country’s economy is paying the price for decades of underinvestment and neglect in its transport system.

Failing roads, crumbling railways and inefficient ports are costing the country billions of rands and undermining its global competitiveness,…

Study examines South Africa’s aviation carbon emissions and tourism policy challenges

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

When aircraft take off from South Africa’s major airports, they do more than connect people with destinations, they also leave behind a growing environmental footprint. The complex relationship between aviation, tourism and climate change is the focus of a recent book…