By Gofaone Motsamai

When tourism researcher Dr Jean Manaliyo began asking people in Mahikeng what they knew about cannabis tourism, many were curious about how it could shape their community and economy. That curiosity has now taken his research across borders.

The North-West University (NWU) researcher will present his paper titled “Community perception towards cannabis tourism and socio-economic impacts in Mahikeng, South Africa” at a conference hosted by the University of Algarve in Portugal from 12 to 14 November 2025.

When farmers face pests that damage their crops, many turn to chemical sprays. They often do not realise that indigenous plant-based practices can protect crops naturally, and that pest-control solutions already exist within traditional farming knowledge.

The use of chemicals is one of the common ways of managing pests. However, these chemicals have negative effects on the environment, are expensive, and often unaffordable for small-scale farmers.

South Africa’s transport sector stands at a critical crossroads: unless urgent investment and private-sector participation are channelled into public transport infrastructure, the country’s economy will continue to stagnate.

North-West University (NWU) transport economist Dr Olebogeng Baikgaki says GDP growth for 2025 is expected to be limited to between 0,9% and 1,3%, and the outlook is poor if decaying infrastructure and inefficiencies are not addressed.

South Africa’s sluggish transport system could find new momentum through digitalisation and sustainable investment, says transport economist Dr Olebogeng Baikgaki of the North-West University (NWU).

He argues that integrating digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and electric vehicles into transport planning could revolutionise mobility and reduce carbon emissions.

In a rapidly warming world, Africa has much to teach about harnessing indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) for global health resilience and trauma risk reduction.

Diane Thelma Molokwa, a doctoral candidate at the IKS Centre on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, demonstrated this when she participated at the 7th International Young Researchers' Symposium on Global Health held in Berlin, Germany.

Come 26 November, more than 900 000 Grade 12 candidates will be celebrating the conclusion of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

The exams commenced on 21 October with the computer applications technology (CAT) practical paper, one of the 112 examination papers that have been set across the country. This follows months of preparation supported by provincial education departments and the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Fewer than 10% of registered veterinarians in South Africa are black – and that is just one example of how black people are underrepresented in the agricultural and veterinary sectors.

As a contribution towards transformation, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the North-West University (NWU) School of Agricultural Sciences have joined forces to encourage NWU animal health graduates to become entrepreneurs.

October is Transport Month in South Africa, but there is not much to celebrate as the country’s economy is paying the price for decades of underinvestment and neglect in its transport system.

Failing roads, crumbling railways and inefficient ports are costing the country billions of rands and undermining its global competitiveness, according to transport analyst Dr Olebogeng Baikgaki of the North-West University (NWU).

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

An online writing competition hosted by the Debating Union at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus is keeping the conversation about women’s empowerment alive long after Women’s Month has ended.

The competition, themed “Accelerate action: Rights, equality, empowerment for all women and girls”, invited students to reflect on the challenges facing women and girls globally and propose solutions. The goal was to spark dialogue that could lead to practical action on campus and beyond.

By Gofaone Motsamai

Thanks to the interest and mentorship of her lecturers, North-West University (NWU) alumnus Seipelo Kgosiejang is playing a key role today in advancing South Africa’s higher education agenda on the continent and globally.

In her current role in international relations at the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Seipelo is responsible for developing partnerships with African and Middle Eastern countries and coordinating South Africa’s participation in major international platforms.