Newsroom - Mafikeng Campus

Better growth figures show resilience, but volatility remains

The better-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 0,6% in the second quarter of 2023 is welcome news, as it has extended its gains for a second consecutive time.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says this demonstrates a noteworthy degree of resilience in the economy. This has mainly been the outcome of more moderate Eskom blackouts in June compared with April and May, together with other mitigating factors that helped to generate better growth figures.

Submitted on

NWU to host regional conference on sustainability

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Social Sciences will be hosting the Planetary Utilisation of Sustainability Strategies (PLUS) Southern African Regional Conference from 11 to 13 September 2023 at its Mahikeng Campus.

The theme of the conference is “Land, landscape, local knowledge, and the pursuit of sustainable ontologies”.

PLUS is a network concerned with aspects of sustainability and is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service. It consists of nine universities in Southern Africa – including the NWU – Latin America and Germany.

Submitted on

Oatlhotse Ditlhobolo: A remarkable journey to stardom

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

Transitioning from the familiar world of high school football to the demanding and competitive arena of Varsity Football can be an intimidating prospect. However, for Oatlhotse Ditlhobolo, affectionately known as Foden, this journey has been a testament to the determination and the pursuit of dreams.

Submitted on

SA needs to find its moral compass

A North-West University (NWU) academic says he hopes his new book on South Africa’s moral compass will open up a vigorous social debate that could unleash deep interest among willing role players to bring back hope and morality to our young democracy.

Prof Koos Vorster is part of the Reformed Theology and the Development of the South African Society research unit which deals with the moral development of the South African society.

Submitted on

New Covid-19 variant being monitored

The new Covid-19 subvariant EG.5 – also known as Eris – has made its way into South Africa with the first case reported in Gauteng in mid-August.

This after it crossed the borders of China, the United States, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal and Spain.

Dr Hazel Mufhandu, senior lecturer and virologist at the North-West University (NWU), tells us more about Eris.

Submitted on

Kgopotso Moshapo: NWU defender's heroics secure back-to-back goals

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

North-West University (NWU) Eagles defender Kgopotso Moshapo has emerged as the saviour of his team, delivering clutch performances in two consecutive games during this year's Varsity Football season.

With remarkable headers, he not only secured victory over the Central University of Technology (CUT), but also salvaged a crucial draw against the University of Free State.

Submitted on

Postgraduate students brush up on statistical software to analyse population data

By Menziwa Msibi

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Population Studies and Demography subject group recently hosted a workshop for postgraduate students on its Mahikeng Campus.

The workshop was aimed at creating a space for students to get to know each other and talk about their research projects, and to teach them more about population data analysis using statistical software.

Submitted on

Nurses on the frontline: Unveiling the challenges of Covid-19 patient care

A recent study conducted by Dr Joan Dikobe from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Nursing Science sheds light on the lived experiences of nurses as they cared for patients diagnosed with Covid-19.

As frontline healthcare workers, they are fundamental to the healthcare system, and play a crucial role in ensuring the continuity and quality of care to the patient.

Dr Dikobe says the study aimed to examine the physical, psychological, and social experiences of nurses as they provided care to Covid-19 patients in the North West province.

Submitted on

Inaugural lecture delves into export diversification in Sub-Saharan Africa

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

Prof Ireen Choga from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences delivered her inaugural lecture on 24 August 2023.

Her lecture was titled “Exports and export Diversification: key drivers and trends in Sub-Saharan Africa”.

She says this was not only an academic turning point, but also a deeply personal milestone for her.

Submitted on