The North-West University (NWU) knows that pool-stage victories count for nothing when it comes to knockout netball. Having already defeated the University of Johannesburg (UJ) earlier in the Varsity Netball tournament, the Eagles are preparing for a rematch that will decide who advances to the final on 22 September.

As was widely expected, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) decided (by a 4 to 2 vote) on 18 September to again pause its interest rate easing cycle for now.

In commenting on this decision, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says the MPC saw the risks around the inflation outlook as being balanced, and inflation as now being contained.

By Gosego Phutieagae

The long-standing tradition of sold-out performances and excited audiences once again greeted the annual Campus Serenade (Sêr) competition at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus.

The three-day cultural showcase featured high-energy music and vocal performances by students from the campus residences.

At a time when teachers are so often regarded as the unsung heroes of society, growing attention is being paid to the emotional burden they carry on a daily basis. The question is no longer whether teachers are under pressure, but rather how long they can withstand it without severe consequences for their own well-being and for the future of South Africa’s children. Dr Marelize Vergottini, senior lecturer in Social Work at the North-West University (NWU), cautions that the emotional well-being of our teachers is in a state of crisis – one that can no longer be ignored.

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) is celebrating a major achievement after its Understanding the World of Health teaching team was named one of the winners of the 2025 National University Teaching Award (NUTA).

They received the NUTA award in category 3: A Collaboration of Academics who have shown innovation in teaching and learning.

Exaggeration is so often used as a tool for disinformation and to instil fear, but it is fair to say that never has the need to understand how our critical resources are interlinked been so important for the current and future welfare of our planet.

There is a nexus between energy, water and the environment, and here South Africa, with its unique challenges, stands at a crossroads. The country is grappling with a complex web of energy shortfalls, water scarcity and environmental pressures. And South Africa is not alone.

Globally, World Patient Safety Day (WPSD) is celebrated on 17 September to raise awareness on healthcare safety and quality. This initiative by the World Health Organisation (WHO) inspires healthcare professionals to show their commitment to patient safety.

The theme for 2025 is “Safe care for every newborn and every child”, emphasising that each child has the right to safe and quality care from birth.

Aphelele Wandile Sibisi’s football journey began on the streets of Mandeni in KwaZulu-Natal, where he spent hours kicking a ball around with friends. Today, the 22-year-old defender leads the North-West University (NWU) Eagles into a decisive moment in the Varsity Football tournament.

With one round-robin match left on Thursday, 18 September, the Eagles are just a single point away from securing a semifinal spot.

The North-West University (NWU) is actively reinforcing its dedication to student success by recently partnering with Blackbullion, a digital platform designed to build financial literacy. This partnership desires to give students the knowledge and skills they need to manage their money wisely during their time at the NWU and beyond.

“This partnership with Blackbullion contributes to student well-being, which is vital for academic achievement,” said Rassie Louw, coordinator at the NWU Digital Academy.

By Mafumane Tlhapi and Mzwandile Ndlovu

 Prof Li Wei, director and dean of the Institute of Education (IOE) at the University College London (UCL), delivered a public lecture on 4 September at the North-West University (NWU).

The theme of the lecture was “What does linguistic diversity mean and how can language-education policy address multilingualism?”.