Institutional News

Digital footprint crucial for indigenous language preservation

“The work that is being done by SWiP is highly commendable. The key message of today’s meeting for me is the importance of preserving our languages. As a Zulu speaker, it is crucial that isiZulu does not die.”

These are the words of Tholakele Nkwanyana, a lecturer in education and language development at North-West University (NWU) and one of the panellists at the SWiP side event of the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) 2023.

Submitted on Fri, 02/23/2024 - 12:41

Budget falls short in providing concrete solutions to pressing challenges

The South African Budget Speech of 21 February – delivered with a tone of optimism and commitment – reveals a government grappling with economic challenges while striving for progress.

Prof Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says that upon closer examination, concerns and unanswered questions emerge.

Submitted on Thu, 02/22/2024 - 10:54

Budget acknowledges that the economy is not growing fast enough

In the face of a daunting combination of economic and fiscal imperatives, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana in his Budget Speech on 21 February gave a realistic assessment of the socioeconomic and fiscal challenges confronting South Africa, including a “high sovereign credit risk”.

This is the view of Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School.

Submitted on Thu, 02/22/2024 - 10:52

Library director shares her IT expertise internationally

A new generation of fact-fascinated consumers and fast-paced technological developments, especially in the artificial intelligence (AI) realm, has made it paramount for libraries to collaborate in order to ensure survival.

Collaboration between libraries locally and internationally, and also between various disciplines such as information technology (IT) and engineering, will equip libraries to tackle the challenges of a new world.

Submitted on Thu, 02/22/2024 - 09:26

South Africa’s approach to reintegrating criminals and managing crime is a catastrophic failure

Crime is destined to remain one of our most pressing social problems in South Africa if the stigmatisation of criminals is not addressed.

South Africa has one of the highest and most unsustainable rates of recidivism (reoffence) in the world.

First-time offenders, especially, are desperate to rejoin mainstream society. Government is failing in its responsibility to help reintegrate this marginalized group which would mean a safer South Africa for all.

Submitted on Wed, 02/21/2024 - 11:06

NWU Enterprises: A new commercial frontier

“We are on a journey.” Duncan Raftesath’s elbows are resting on the desk in front of him, his hands clasped together, and as he speaks, his smile widens. “We are on a very exciting journey,” the project manager of NWU Enterprises reaffirms with contagious energy.

If all goes according to plan, the expedition that Duncan Raftesath is referring to will pending Council approval – lead to the establishment of NWU Enterprises (Pty) Ltd within a year.

Submitted on Wed, 02/21/2024 - 10:20

The Hillensberg Trust is the gift that keeps giving

For the past seven years, the Hillensberg Trust has made the dreams of several North-West University (NWU) students come true.

Celeste Rossouw, acting director for development and fundraising explains that the trust increased its grant amount by one million, which means this year the NWU can put four million to good use to assist approximately 35 students.

Submitted on Wed, 02/21/2024 - 10:01