NWU Business School launches PhD Hub for Africa

The North-West University (NWU) Business School has established a formidable foundation and inaugurated the PhD Hub for Africa, a pioneering initiative aimed at nurturing doctoral talent and enhancing supervisory expertise throughout the continent. The PhD Hub was officially launched on Monday, 10 March 2025, during the International Conference…

GNU Budget should support growth-enhancing measures

The fourth quarter (4Q) gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures that were released on 4 March are positive, but the mild recovery in the GDP in the 4Q of 2024 again confirms that the Government of National Unity (GNU) is right to have set much higher inclusive growth and stronger job creation as South Africa’s key…

Postponement of Budget will have unintended consequences

The unprecedented decision by the Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet to postpone the Budget until 12 March because of disagreement over tax increases will inevitably have unintended consequences for South Africa’s political economy.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the NWU Business School, says if the eventual Budget in…

South Africa needs to respond urgently and make the economy as “Trump-proof” as possible

“We should not underestimate what may ultimately be at stake for the South African economy and business in the face of the current sharp breach in bilateral political and diplomatic relationships between the United States (US) and South Africa.”

In commenting about the latest tensions in the US-South Africa political and economic…

Business School’s Pitso discussion analyses SONA 2025

“We won’t be bullied.” These words by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in response to US president Donald Trump’s verbal attacks on South Africa grabbed headlines, but SONA 2025 had much more to unpack than that.

On Friday, 7 February, the North-West University (NWU) Business School hosted its…

Achievement of SONA targets will depend on faster implementation of growth-friendly policies

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s wide-ranging State of the Nation Address (SONA) agenda that confirms the tangible commitment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) to faster and higher job-rich growth is positive.

In commenting on the SONA, which was delivered on 7 February, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist of the NWU Business School,…

Electricity tariff increase will inevitably cause the cost of doing business to rise

Although it is still painful for business and consumers, the decision by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to allow a much lower increase of 12,7% in Eskom tariffs, instead of the 36% previously sought by Eskom, is a significant outcome.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business…

Better inflation figures gradually translate into lower interest rates

The better news on the inflation front is gradually being translated into lower interest rates, thus modestly easing borrowing costs for businesses and consumers. At its latest meeting, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) again – by a four to two vote – cut interest rates by another 25 basis points (bps).

In commenting on the latest…

Dr Anna Mokgokong opens MBA Summer Study School

Success awaits those who are bold enough to seek challenges and embrace opportunities. There was no shortage of such people when the North-West University (NWU) launched its 2024 MBA Summer Study School at the Khaya Ibhubesi conference centre in Parys on 27 January.

The Summer Study School will conclude on Friday, 31 January and brings…

GDP growth figures underscore urgency of implementing growth-friendly economic reforms

The unexpected and disappointing gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures for the third quarter of 2024 confirm the extent to which South Africa’s growth prospects remain vulnerable to negative factors such as adverse weather conditions, weakened exports and other lagging sectors.

In commenting on the release of the growth figures…