2020 SONA: From promises to hope

Prof Danie Meyer, director of the TRADE research focus area at the North-West University (NWU), and Roan Neethling, a doctoral student, discuss the main themes from president Cyril Ramaphosa’s fourth state of the nation address (SONA) that was delivered on 13 February 2020.

1. Collaboration and social compacts: The president…

SONA: Positive impact of policy framework will depend on successful implementation and collaboration with private sector

“The wide-ranging state of the nation address (SONA) delivered by president Cyril Ramaphosa to Parliament recognised the grave socio-economic challenges currently faced by South Africa, especially its low growth and high unemployment.”

This is according to Prof Raymond Parsons, a well-known economist and academic from the North-West…

NWU student receives international award as best achiever

Although the BHSc degree in occupational hygiene is relatively new to South Africa and Africa, the North-West University (NWU) recently raised its hand and received excellent praise and accolades in the global arena in this discipline.

The International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA) has generously sponsored the Bachelor of…

South African economy in crisis! No electricity capacity, no economic growth and development

The latest publication by Statistics SA on the electricity generated in the country was released on 6 February 2020 and indicated that electricity generation decreased by 4,0% year-on-year from December 2018 to December 2019.

Prof Danie Meyer, director of the TRADE research focus area of the North-West University (NWU), says the…

Calamity showcases NWU’s resolve

When it comes to RAG festival memories, 2020 would surely stand out, as it marked the first time in 53 years that there was no float parade through the streets of Potchefstroom.

You would think it would be all doom and gloom, right? However, the unfortunate incidents that lead to this, also proved to be a showcase of the composure,…

BRICS sponsors NWU visit to study Russian coal technology

Water is a scarce commodity in drought-stricken South Africa. One area where water can be saved is in the processing of coal, which traditionally uses large amounts of water.

Keeping this in mind, two engineers from the North-West University’s (NWU) School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering visited Siberia last year with the aim…

School indemnity forms – who is truly accountable?

The tragedy that befell Parktown Boys High School pupil, Enoch Mpianzi, has left the nation in disbelief. Parents all over the country are not only concerned about sending their children on school excursions, but also who will be held accountable if they sign indemnity forms.

Dr Cecile Eloff, an educational law lecturer at the North…

Another win for NWU’s Penelope Motshwene

Penelope Motshwene, who heads the Disability Rights Unit at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Potchefstroom, has proven time and again that dreams do come true.

She was recently announced as one of the Playtex ambassadors for 2020.

The female underwear brand was looking for fearless women who wear their product…

Is the South African economy facing recession-inflation?

At the start of 2020 the South African economic outlook seems dire. According to economist Prof Danie Meyer, director of the TRADE research focus area at the North-West University (NWU), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that economic growth will be set at below 1% for the year.

Prof Meyer, together with Roan Neethling,…

Hypertension is clouding the joys of childhood

Childhood is normally associated with health, playfulness and a phase in life without worries or fear. However, this ideal definition of childhood is becoming cluttered with unwanted risk factors linked to the early development of cardiovascular disease, especially in South Africa.

Global data on the prevalence of high blood pressure…