The Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) office has begun 2025 with a renewed commitment to helping researchers turn their ideas into real-world solutions. TTIS has played a key role in two major events: the Research and Innovation (R&I) Induction Session and the Research and Innovation Colloquium.
As we consider the urgent issues confronting social work in South Africa, it is evident that the profession is at a crucial turning point. On 18 March we commemorate World Social Work Day, and this year’s theme – “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Well-being” – serves as a timely reminder of the vital role that social workers play in our communities.
However, the challenges they encounter risk undermining their efforts and compromising the well-being of those they serve.
“To expand beautiful ideas of working together across disciplines.” These were the words of Professor Jeffrey Mpahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Innovation at the North-West University (NWU), as he captured the essence of the university's Research and Innovation Colloquium that was held at Sun City from 02-04 March 2025.
Food security, climate change and sustainability. These are some of the issues that will take centre stage from 19 to 20 March when the North-West University (NWU) and Agricultural Research Council (ARC) will be co-hosting the 2025 National Grain Research Programme (NGRP) Annual Meeting, themed Farming 2.0: Smarter & Greener.
This event will bring together industry leaders, researchers, policy makers and students from across South Africa to discuss innovative approaches to farming and grain production.
The Business School at the North-West University (NWU)’s second Pitso online seminar brought together economic experts to examine South Africa’s current financial situation. The discussion, titled Budgeting for Austerity, featured analyst and columnist Khaya Sithole, who moderated the webinar; independent economist Elize Kruger; and Sanisha Packirisamy, an economist at Momentum Investments.
• Hunters, especially international hunters, believe that they benefit local communities.
• International hunters spend up to four times more per visit than local hunters.
• International hunters perceive their impact to be greater than local hunters.
• The perspective of the local community is still missing.
The North-West University (NWU) continues to shine in international rankings. The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject place four of the NWU’s subject groups in the top 850 globally, with one of these featuring in the 301 to 350 ranking category. The subject groups are agriculture, environmental sciences, physics and medicine. QS published these rankings on 12 March 2025.
The revised Budget statement presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on 12 March, proposing a new fiscal mix of spending, borrowing and taxing as a response to the previous opposition to the 2% rise in VAT proposed in the original Budget, diverges to some extent from the parameters outlined in the original Budget.
The North-West University (NWU) Young Guns put on a strong show in their Varsity Cup Young Guns clash against Stellenbosch University (Maties) on Monday 10 March, securing a hard-fought 33-31 victory to climb to the top of Group A.
Both teams were level on nine points going into the game, setting the stage for a crucial encounter. The atmosphere at the Fanie Du Toit Sports Grounds was electric, with the passionate NWU supporters creating a stimulating environment.
Prof Conroy Cupido’s musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and his latest triumph at the kykNET Fiesta awards – often dubbed the "Oscars" of South Africa's arts festivals – in 2025 is another feather in his already illustrious cap.