Unchanged interest rate is no surprise

The latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) statement was again surprise-free, the committee having, for the sixth time over the past year, kept interest rates unchanged.

In commenting on the decision by the MPC to again leave interest rates unchanged, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the…

Naledi Ringrollers and Business School empower young entrepreneurs

A groundbreaking collaboration between the North-West University (NWU) Business School and Naledi Ringrollers (Pty) Ltd is now in its third year. This initiative aims to fund young, upcoming entrepreneurs who can help address socio-economic issues such as unemployment, inequality and poverty by imparting entrepreneurial skills and education.…

Book explores economic future after election outcome

A multi-authored book edited by renowned economist Prof Raymond Parsons, from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, aims to encourage and empower voters to make informed choices in this critical election year.

“There is no going back, and the options have dwindled. In the grand scheme of things, South Africa is no longer at…

Prof Alistair Mokoena: investing in good education is key

Commencing in 2024, Prof Alistair Mokoena, Google South Africa’s country director, pledged to donate R50 000 to the North-West University (NWU) annually. According to Prof Mokoena, the sum of the funding will go into the Dr Alistair Mokoena Education Fund and will be used to support any student in need of financial assistance.

Prof…

Financial Intelligence Centre and North-West University enter into cooperation agreement

The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) is boosting its forensic accounting capacity through a co-operation agreement with the Business School of North-West University (NWU).

The FIC’s Acting Director Pieter Smit, and NWU Vice-Principal and Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Linda du Plessis, signed the agreement on Wednesday, 6 March…

Building better futures: the importance of the 2024 school governing body elections

Prof Leenta Grobler, deputy director of the Business School at the North-West University, explains why it is imperative that the 2024 school governing body elections must be characterised by informed decisions.

“As we approach the 2024 school governing body (SGB) elections in South Africa, it is essential to understand the profound…

Rapid economic reforms must be implemented for better growth prospects

“The good news is that South Africa has, after all, narrowly avoided a ‘technical recession’ (two successive quarters of negative growth) by registering a scant gross domestic product (GDP) growth rise of 0,1% in the fourth quarter of 2023.”

In commenting on the growth figures for the fourth quarter of 2023 that were released on 5 March…

Budget falls short in providing concrete solutions to pressing challenges

The South African Budget Speech of 21 February – delivered with a tone of optimism and commitment – reveals a government grappling with economic challenges while striving for progress.

Prof Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says that upon closer examination, concerns and unanswered…

Budget acknowledges that the economy is not growing fast enough

In the face of a daunting combination of economic and fiscal imperatives, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana in his Budget Speech on 21 February gave a realistic assessment of the socioeconomic and fiscal challenges confronting South Africa, including a “high sovereign credit risk”.

This is the view of Prof Raymond Parsons, economist…

Prof Parsons previews expectations for the 2024 Budget Speech

Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana is set to present the Budget Speech for the 2024/25 fiscal year on 21 February 2024. Providing insights into the anticipated announcements, renowned economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, Prof Raymond Parsons, shares his perspectives on what South Africans can expect from this…