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…

South Africa’s government is drowning in its own complexity

The South African government is becoming trapped within layers of accumulated complexity. The government therefore appears simultaneously hyper-present and absent. Complex systems create discretion and discretion creates power. Economic success becomes tied less to productive capability and more to proximity to administrative systems. The…

Congratulations Dr Rassie on receiving the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold

When Dr Rassie Erasmus walked onto the stage at the North-West University (NWU) in 2024 to receive an honorary doctorate, it was not only recognition of a rugby coach. It was recognition of a leader who helped shape moments that united a country and reminded South Africans of what can still be achieved when belief,…

The NSFAS Crisis: When leadership ignores evidence

The tragedy of the NSFAS story is that it reflects more than an institutional crisis; it reflects a deeper tension in public leadership in South Africa. NSFAS has grown from a support mechanism into the dominant driver of higher education spending. The most disturbing dimension of the NSFAS crisis is the erosion of ethical leadership.…

DSTI hands over key hydrogen and energy innovation facilities at North-West University

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) marked a significant milestone in South Africa's clean energy transition with the official handover of two strategic energy research, development and innovation (RDI) deployments at the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus.

Prof. Louis du Preez to receive prestigious Havenga Prize

His name is synonymous with groundbreaking research and innovation, with many honours over the years acknowledging the impact of his work. Now, another prestigious honour will soon be awarded to Prof. Louis du Preez, amphibian conservationist and amphibian parasite diversity expert of the School of Biological Sciences…

NWU researcher to be honoured with the Jacques van der Elst Prize

Prof. Tobie van Dyk will receive the Jacques van der Elst Prize.

On 2 October, Prof. Tobie van Dyk will stand on the stage in Pretoria to receive a prestigious award in the humanities, the Jacques van der Elst Prize, presented by the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns…

Trial of the century to determine who controls AI’s future

It is the battle of the billionaires as two of the most powerful heavyweights in the tech industry will step into the ring on Monday 27 April in Oakland, California, when Elon Musk’s lawsuit against Sam Altman goes to trial.

The stakes for the future of the AI industry could not be higher. Musk, the founder of Tesla, Inc., SpaceX and…

Why South Africa needs fewer, stronger municipalities

The South African municipal landscape is not collapsing in a single moment of crisis. It is eroding in slow motion.

Prof. Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the NWU Business School

By Prof. Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the NWU Business School.

Hundreds of local…

Rustenburg’s new Ikateleng centre opens pathways to mining and engineering careers

The North-West University’s Ikateleng programme is expanding into Rustenburg’s platinum belt, helping to build a pipeline of future engineers and mining professionals from local schools.

It is just past 09:00 on a bright, already hot Saturday morning on 7…