The trade relationship between South Africa and the United States (US) faces uncertainty as tensions between Pretoria and Washington grow. The potential loss of benefits under the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) raises concerns about economic consequences for key industries.

"If South Africa loses AGOA benefits, the impact will be felt in manufacturing and agriculture," said Mpho Lenoke, an academic at the North-West University (NWU). "Increased tariffs will make South African products less competitive in the US market, affecting export revenue."

By Gofaone Motsamai

In the dry, sandy soils of southern Africa, a rugged survivor stands tall: Vachellia erioloba, more commonly known as the camel thorn. Once classified under the genus Acacia as Acacia erioloba, this hardy tree is also called the giraffe thorn, mokala tree, or kameeldoring in Afrikaans.

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Governance Studies hosted a panel discussion on Friday, 14 February 2025 on the Mahikeng Campus.

The discussion aimed to critically analyse President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), focusing on key themes, omissions and broader political implications.

By Oscar Mosiane and Precious Miyambu

A partnership between the Barolong Boo Ratlou Ba Ga Seitshiro tribe and the North-West University (NWU) is taking shape.

On 11 February the NWU’s Global Innovative Forefront Talent (GIFT) research niche area hosted a delegation led by His Majesty Chief Charles Moshoette of the Barolong Boo Ratlou Ba Ga Seitshiro tribe at the Mahikeng Campus.

China’s involvement in Africa has long been a talking point, with some commentators convinced of its good intentions and others sceptical. A North-West University (NWU) PhD graduate, Reverend Dr Dimpho Gaobepe, has brought some much-needed balance to the debate through his PhD research on international relations.

By Gofaone Motsamai and Oscar Mosiane

For students and staff who are passionate about farming and agriculture, the ideal place to learn, do research and reap fresh produce is the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Molelwane Agriculture Farm.

By Gofaone Motsamai

Bontle Manana, a 34-year-old industrial psychologist and PhD candidate at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU), is breaking barriers and inspiring women across South Africa.

Hailing from Phola Village in Mahikeng, she recently achieved the prestigious milestone of being named a Mrs South Africa semi-finalist.

A familiar voice, Mogomotsi "Peculiar" Ntehalang, a final-year communication student on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, walked off with the coveted Radio Presenter of the Year Award at the 2024 North West Media Awards in December.

Peculiar has been hosting the NWUFM Maftown Drive show on weekdays from 15:00 to 18:00 since from 2022. The programme features segments such as Ispan Iplan, which provides job insights, and Flash of Thought, which focuses on controversial discussions and factual information for listeners.

When Eugenia March entered the Information Technology (IT) department as telephone coordinator and later as administration secretary at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus 42 years ago, it was a very different environment she recently retired from.

She joined the NWU in 1982 and has played a vital role in the department’s operations over the years, witnessing changes within the university and adapting to evolving processes and technologies.

South African indigenous knowledge is precious, and few people are better qualified than North-West University (NWU) alumnus, Dr Thulisile Bhuda, to contribute to preserving it.

This explains why Dr Bhuda has been reappointed to the Indigenous Knowledge / Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) National Authentication Panel.

She will serve on the panel until 2027, following her initial appointment in 2021.