A continued downward trajectory is the only possible forecast for South Africa’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) if political appointments in SOEs continue to take precedence over expertise.

This is according to Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU). Prof Tyobeka says this is not only an inescapable truth, but a gross dereliction of duty by those in key positions, which serves to hamper economic growth to the detriment of the country’s struggling citizens.

A new species of African bullfrog has been discovered in northeastern Namibia, southern Angola, southwestern Zambia and northwestern Botswana.

It is the largest frog species discovered in more than 100 years.

The largest specimen found is 210 millimetres long and weighs 1 kilogram.

 Micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in Africa and are one of the major factors associated with growth retardation, poor immune function, and child mortality.

 A new master’s degree programme in Nutrition with Nuclear Techniques will help to address malnutrition in Africa.

 Role players across the continent are working together to ensure better nutrition for all Africans.

The chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Dr Anna Mokgokong, was again recognised for her remarkable achievements as an industry stalwart when she received the Black Industrialist Pioneer and Legacy Award at the second Black Industrialist and Exporters Conference.

The conference was held at the Sandton International Convention Centre on Wednesday 20 March, and President Cyril Ramaphosa presented the awards.

Ruan “Sampie” Swiegers, the former captain of the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup champions, the North-West University (NWU) Eagles, takes us down memory lane. “A lot of memories come to mind when I think of having studied at the NWU for seven years. I know every part of Potchefstroom, the good and the bad,” said Ruan. Apart from roaming around the lively Potchefstroom Campus or enjoying a braai with friends at the residence, Ruan says he will forever treasure the memory of representing the NWU on the rugby field.

World Kidney Day is a global awareness campaign that emphasises the value of kidney health and actions that can be taken to reduce kidney disease and related illnesses.

Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening. Dangerous weather meant that the North-West University (NWU) Eagles could not complete their Varsity Cup clash against UJ in Johannesburg on Monday night, and the game had to be replayed on Tuesday morning, 19 March. The result? It rained tries as the visitors from Potchefstroom ran in seven times to make it four wins from five games. The scoreboard read 49-12.

• Taylor Swift is a cultural phenomenon, spelling a massive cash influx in consumer spending for her concert destinations.

• Cities and provinces in South Africa can benefit hugely by exploiting the spending potential from concerts by international musicians.

• Local governments should look to take the initiative and work with the private sector to fuel the tourism industry, especially in tourist off-seasons.

The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) is boosting its forensic accounting capacity through a co-operation agreement with the Business School of North-West University (NWU).

The chancellor of the North-West University, Dr Anna Mokgokong, has been invited by the prestigious and world-renowned University of Cambridge Judge Business School to feature as distinguished keynote speaker at the Cambridge Africa Business Conference (CABC).