The negative gross domestic product (GDP) growth figure of -0,1% quarter on quarter again reflects how difficult it has been for the economy to gain momentum in the recent past.

In commenting on the GDP figures released by Stats SA on 4 June, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says although GDP growth may yet reach about a modest 0,9% in 2024 as a whole, total GDP in the first quarter of 2024 is in fact lower than the peak reached in the third quarter of 2022.

It was another first for the North-West University (NWU) and a day that will live long in the memory of all those who attended it. On Saturday, 1 June, the NWU held its inaugural Gauteng open day at Supersport Park in Centurion.

Learners from schools from across the province were in attendance to get their first taste of what the NWU has to offer. More than 30% of the NWU’s students hail from Gauteng, and the province plays a critical role in the makeup of the NWU, which is one of the biggest universities in the country.

“Against the background of the interim results thus far of the country’s pivotal 2024 elections, South Africa is for now in uncharted and uncertain waters, which is reflected in the initial reaction of the financial markets and the rand.”

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says while the emergence of coalition government, both at national and provincial levels, is not unexpected, the exact configuration of coalition arrangements could have an important impact on South Africa’s economic performance.

The latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) statement was again surprise-free, the committee having, for the sixth time over the past year, kept interest rates unchanged.

In commenting on the decision by the MPC to again leave interest rates unchanged, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says that, as expected, borrowing costs will therefore remain higher for consumers and business for longer.

In 2024, South Africa is celebrating 30 years of democracy, and Corporate Relations and Marketing, together with the School of Government Studies, at the North-West University (NWU), hosted a panel discussion on 23 May titled 30 Years of Democracy: The power, the people and protecting the way forward.

The event took place on the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus, less than a week before the national elections on 29 May.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics (BMI) held its annual Prestige Awards Ceremony on 26 April 2024, celebrating the exceptional achievements of its students across various categories.

The NWU BMI Prestige Awards do not only celebrate academic excellence, but also highlights the university's commitment to fostering industry-relevant research and innovation. The accomplishments of these students reflect the NWU’s dedication to cultivating leaders and innovators in the fields of business mathematics and informatics.

This year, the North-West University (NWU) pulled out all the stops for its highly anticipated Open Days, creating an exhilarating experience that perfectly captured the essence of vibrant student life across its campuses. These events were a dynamic blend of excitement, engagement and education, designed to give prospective students and their families a comprehensive look into what makes the NWU a leading institution.

From Potchefstroom to Vanderbijlpark and Mahikeng, each campus offered a unique yet equally thrilling experience.

Prince Motaung, North-West University (NWU) alumnus and coach of the dance team on the Mahikeng Campus, recently earned national Protea colours.

He will also manage and coach dance team Omphile Makhobosi and Palesa Mphela, who will represent South Africa at the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) World Championship’s Under-21 Latin competition on 16 November 2024 in Salaspils, Latvia.

In celebration of Africa Day on 24 May 2024, the North-West University (NWU) hosted a webinar focusing on enhancing education across the continent. Themed "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century", the event brought together experts to engage in a comprehensive dialogue aimed at building resilient education systems that promote increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality and relevant learning.

• The award is in recognition of Prof Tyobeka’s significant contribution to the global governance of the nuclear industry;
• His efforts to promote collaboration between South Africa and France;
• His pursuit of academic excellence and more.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) has been awarded the prestigious National Order of Merit, also known as the l’Ordre National du Mérite, on behalf of the Presid