South Africa’s approach to reintegrating criminals and managing crime is a catastrophic failure

Crime is destined to remain one of our most pressing social problems in South Africa if the stigmatisation of criminals is not addressed.

South Africa has one of the highest and most unsustainable rates of recidivism (reoffence) in the world.

First-time offenders, especially, are desperate to rejoin mainstream society.…

What economists are listening for in the Budget speech

Professor Waldo Krugell, an economist at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), looks ahead at what to expect when the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, delivers the 2024 Budget speech on 21 February.

A lot will be said before and after the Budget speech this week. It is normal to be…

R15,456 billion: Private wildlife hunting means big bucks

The South African private wildlife hunting industry is one that should be treasured. This was again made evident by the research conducted by the research unit for Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) at the North-West University (NWU), which was steered by Prof Peet van der Merwe, Andrea Saayman and Elmarie Slabbert. The…

Prof Kedibone Phago: Jacob Zuma is stealing the ANC’s legacy

Using the name uMkhonto weSizwe is to a large degree unethical.

The ANC must produce statesmen, not politicians.

He’s back, and as controversial as ever. The reemergence of former South African president, Jacob Zuma as a political role player is causing the party he once led no shortage of headaches at a time when they can least…

The South African minibus taxi industry: A picture of captive users and a lack of regulation

The minibus taxi industry, despite popular opinion, is more organised than is commonly believed.

The taxi industry lends itself to serious corruption and questionable law enforcement practices, putting the participants at a very high risk.

The taxi industry can get away with providing substandard services such as bad customer…

South Africa is squandering its export opportunities

It is peak export season for the fruit industry and there is still a backlog of exports. The impact of the logistics crises caused by Transnet and the ports are having far-reaching negative consequences. Export industries are pleading for a chance to help, but government is unwilling to get out of the way.

Administrative chaos and shipping…

Researchers discover two new species of bushveld arum lilies

If you think you have seen arum lilies in all their beautiful shapes, sizes and colours, you are in for a surprise: two new species were recently discovered in the Sekhukhuneland bushveld where these plants grow naturally and spectacularly.

Researchers from the North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with a researcher from the…

NWU is looking beyond load-shedding to sustainable greener energy solutions

While addressing the current challenges posed by load-shedding, the North-West University (NWU) is also looking at long-term sustainable and greener renewable energy-generation solutions. This will not only ensure energy security, but also underscore the university’s commitment to just energy transition.

The NWU is already struggling to…

Excellence Awards celebrate the NWU’s exceptional staff

The North-West University (NWU) gave recognition to its outstanding staff during the annual NWU Excellence Awards ceremony, which took place in Potchefstroom on 23 November.

Staff were acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to teaching and learning, community engagement, and research and innovation.

“Considering our…

Our straining economy is deteriorating our health

• The share of the population unable to afford a healthy diet has fallen across all income groups

• Loadshedding has increased costs and pushed up prices throughout the food production value chain

• Food prices are not only determined by supply and demand, but also by policies and politics

Wars and weather, internal…