GDP setback highlights vulnerabilities in economic recovery

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.

Elena du Plessis brings 1986 back to life

At times all it takes is one photograph. Just one photograph that will instantly take you back. It provides a nostalgic feeling that takes you back to the people you grew up with, the places where you spent your younger years and back to a life when life felt a bit simpler, and when you were making memories without even realising it.

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Looking beyond the classroom: local learners discover the world of astronomy

For 24 local school learners, the chance to explore the stars came a little closer to home when they were introduced to astronomy as part of their preparation for this year’s South African Physics Olympiad (SAPHO).

Hosted at the North-West University (NWU), the learners took part in an introductory astronomy session designed to give them…

Better waste management can protect South Africa’s wild spaces

Waste in South Africa’s protected areas is more than a litter problem. Poor waste practices in South Africa’s protected areas threaten biodiversity, pollute sensitive habitats and weaken conservation efforts. New research shows that better planning, infrastructure and human behaviour can turn the situation around.Prof…

Acting icon Sandra Prinsloo to receive honorary doctorate

She is a cultural icon and one of South Africa’s undisputed queens of stage and screen. With a career spanning more than five decades and a legacy that will be remembered as much for her performances as for her courage in challenging social conventions, Sandra Prinsloo will receive an honorary doctorate from the North…

Water users compete for a limited pool

Competition for water resources has become a reality in South Africa. With about 98% of South Africa’s available water resources already allocated, the country’s water challenge is no longer simply about finding new sources. It is increasingly about how the law protects, allocates and, when necessary, reallocates a…

Renewable Rangers crosses borders with Eswatini launch

An educational game inspired by a mother's experience with her two sons has crossed the borders of South Africa for the first time.

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele, an academic at the North-West University (NWU), formally launched Renewable Rangers in Eswatini during the fourth International…

New book puts human judgement at the centre of AI-powered research

Artificial intelligence (AI) can support postgraduate research, but it should strengthen human thinking rather than replace it. This principle is at the heart of a new book by the North-West University (NWU) academic Prof. Kudzayi Savious Tarisayi.

Prof. Tarisayi from the School of…

Eagles rediscover team connection to edge Kovsies

The North-West University (NWU) Eagles showed their ability to respond under pressure when they bounced back from their first defeat of the 2026 Varsity Netball season to beat UFS Kovsies 50-48 in Bloemfontein on Monday, 31 August.

The two-point victory at the Callie Human Hall was a…

Prof. Kruger helps shape the first hypertension guidelines for Africa

The recent launch of the first comprehensive hypertension guidelines developed specifically for Africa marks an important step in addressing one of the continent’s most significant health challenges. Among the experts who contributed to the guidelines is Prof. Ruan Kruger, a researcher in paediatric hypertension and…