A father, a farmer and South Africa’s energy future

By Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU).

I am the father of six beautiful children. They shape me every day. They shape what I value and how I see the future. I think of them when I walk on my cattle farm in the heart of the North…

NWU Rainbow Kidz tennis tournament draws energy from Renewable Rangers

The tennis courts at the North-West University (NWU) Tennis Club became a playground of movement, learning and discovery when young players gathered for the first Rainbow Kidz competition of 2026 on 16 and 17 May.

Hosted in partnership with Tennis South Africa, the Rainbow Kidz…

AI is teaching us the wrong lessons about happiness

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming more than a tool. Increasingly, people are turning to AI for advice, companionship and emotional reassurance. Chatbots are helping users navigate personal challenges, offering encouragement and, in many cases, validating their feelings and beliefs.

Rebuilding South Africa's ailing public transport system

There was a time when passengers could board a train in Johannesburg, travel through Krugersdorp, Magaliesburg and Zeerust, pass through Mahikeng, Madibogo, Mareetsane and Taung, and continue towards Kimberley before making the return journey. Those trains are gone. So too are many of the rail services that once…

Fresh produce markets feel pressure as revenue dips despite higher volumes

South Africa’s fresh produce markets moved more goods in April 2026, but earned less money in the process, exposing pressure points in the country’s food distribution system and raising concerns about oversupply, pricing and operational bottlenecks.

This is according to a market…

Student author explores trauma and youth experiences in debut novel

Koketso Modisakeng, a fourth-year Bachelor of Education student at the North-West University (NWU), is using storytelling to confront social issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), mental health, corruption and generational trauma while building her profile as a published author.

MPC raises rates as precautionary inflation guard

As was expected, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raised interest rates by 25 basis points on 28 May.

Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says the 4 to 2 vote was a preventative step against future inflation in the economy.

Students engage with top policymakers of South Africa

A group of 13 Public Policy Analysis honours degree students from the North-West University (NWU) were given a rare opportunity to engage directly with the architects of public policy and governance inside the historic chambers of the Union Buildings – where some of the most critical national decisions in South…

NWU Soccer Institute eyes promotion as national playoffs begin

The North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute heads to Mthatha carrying more than a provincial title. The team enters the 2026 ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs with hopes of securing professional football status and reshaping the future of the institute ahead of its 20th anniversary next year.

Real financial know-how reaches students across three campuses

Most students will tell you that nobody teaches you how to actually handle money. You learn about compound interest in a textbook, maybe, but nobody sits you down and explains what to do when you are drowning in debt, tempted by a flashy investment scheme, or just trying to make a grocery budget stretch to the end of…