“We should not underestimate what may ultimately be at stake for the South African economy and business in the face of the current sharp breach in bilateral political and diplomatic relationships between the United States (US) and South Africa.”

“We won’t be bullied.” These words by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in response to US president Donald Trump’s verbal attacks on South Africa grabbed headlines, but SONA 2025 had much more to unpack than that.

On Friday, 7 February, the North-West University (NWU) Business School hosted its Pitso discussion analysing SONA 2025 under the theme of: In pursuit of “sufficient consensus”: SONA 2025.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to play an increasingly important and prominent role in our lives, the North-West University (NWU) has established the NWU AI Hub to serve as a coordinator and facilitator for all things AI at the NWU. No sphere of the university environment has been left unaffected by the AI revolution, and with the creation of the NWU AI Hub, the university is implementing the necessary structures and guidelines to navigate the pitfalls and opportunities that this groundbreaking technology holds.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s wide-ranging State of the Nation Address (SONA) agenda that confirms the tangible commitment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) to faster and higher job-rich growth is positive.

In commenting on the SONA, which was delivered on 7 February, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist of the NWU Business School, says the South African economy is indeed eventually capable of even much higher economic growth than 3% if the right choices are made.

The North-West University (NWU) has officially launched its new Student Information System, NWU Student at Crista Galli. The initiative aligns with the NWU's broader digital strategy, streamlining the university’s business processes and providing staff and students with an effective and efficient client-centric service throughout the student academic life cycle.

The event was directed by Mr Clement Manoko, executive director of Corporate Relations and Marketing, who introduced the goals of the project and the speakers.

Although it is still painful for business and consumers, the decision by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to allow a much lower increase of 12,7% in Eskom tariffs, instead of the 36% previously sought by Eskom, is a significant outcome.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says Nersa has acknowledged the critical inputs it received last year from extensive public hearings on Eskom’s original massive application and its potential socio-economic impact.

When people hear the word “accounting”, they often think of numbers, spreadsheets and meticulous financial records. But in a country like South Africa, accounting is far more than just balancing the books – it is a cornerstone of economic growth and stability. At the North-West University (NWU) we are committed to developing well-rounded, skilled professionals who prioritise accountability. And the results speak for themselves.

The better news on the inflation front is gradually being translated into lower interest rates, thus modestly easing borrowing costs for businesses and consumers. At its latest meeting, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) again – by a four to two vote – cut interest rates by another 25 basis points (bps).

In commenting on the latest decision by the MPC to once more reduce the repo rate by 25 bps, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the NWU Business School, says it was widely expected.

By: Gofaone Motsamai

The North-West University (NWU) has integrated LEGO® Six Bricks® into its Bachelor of Education programme to enhance teacher training. Research conducted by Tarien Breytenbach, Prof Elma Marais, Prof Carolina Botha and Florence Coertzen demonstrates how this tool bridges the gap between theory and practice in teacher education.

Monday, 27 January 2025 was not all business as usual at the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus. Dignitaries from the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) were hosted for a day-long oversight visit to the notable locations on the campus.