The overall welcome impact of the 2026 Budget, introduced in Parliament on 25 February, on the economy will be positive and confidence-building. The markets will also price in what is a “good news” Budget in favourable fiscal circumstances.

Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has displayed a credible pair of hands in playing well the better economic cards he now holds to address the inevitable competing demands on South Africa’s still limited public finances.

The South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR), based at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU), is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 first cycle sponsorships.

These sponsorships are awarded to initiatives that align with the centre’s mandate to strengthen research, technology development and digital inclusion across South Africa’s official languages.

The NWU Eagles demonstrated their strength and attacking prowess by dismantling Emeris 63 – 15 at the Fanie du Toit Sportsgrounds on Monday, 23 February. This victory saw the Eagles climb to the top of the table with ten points, level with second place FNB-UP Tuks after match day two of the 2026 varsity Cup season.

The North-West University (NWU) is pleased to introduce Dr Joe Molete as the new deputy vice-chancellor (DVC) designate for Student Life, Transformation, People and Culture (SLTPC), with responsibility for the NWU Mahikeng Campus.

As a seasoned academic leader with more than two decades of executive experience spanning academia, research, industry and international institutions, Dr Molete brings to the NWU a rich blend of scientific training, innovation leadership and a deeply personal commitment to people development.

A journey shaped by crucibles

The decision by the United States (US) Supreme Court that President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are illegal is a welcome respite for many countries, including South Africa, who have had to grapple with an aggressive US tariff policy in recent times.

Promises were made, but will the chequebook come to the party? During his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that more than a quarter of South African children under the age of five are stunted, increasing their risk of disease and affecting their ability to learn and grow. He further stated that in 2026, the state will embark on a mission to end child stunting by 2030 and tackle malnutrition among young children.

Female academics from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus Science Centre once again confirmed that mathematics and science can open up limitless career opportunities for girls and young women.

“The opportunities in chemistry are endless. You can work in environmental science, start your own business, or even create products like perfumes because you understand the materials and how they interact,” said Chemistry lecturer Dr Naledi Raleie.

By Prof. Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the NWU Business School.

Every society organises its economy around a set of implicit bargains about power, access, and reward. Those bargains determine who enters markets easily, who must navigate layers of permission, who receives protection, and who absorbs risk. The labour market does not rise above this architecture. It reflects it.

In an energetic round one clash of the 2026 Varsity Cup, the NWU Eagles delivered a statement performance in the City of Roses, overpowering CUT 59-42. Played at the CUT Stadium, the fixture saw the hosts desperate to overturn their recent poor results against the Purple Army, including a previous loss at the 2025 USSA Games.

A renewed sense of focus and institutional purpose marked the official opening of the 2026 academic year at the North-West University (NWU) on Friday, 13 February.

The ceremony, broadcast live from the Potchefstroom Campus to Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark, signalled not only the start of lectures and registrations, but also served as a reaffirmation of the commitment of the university to excellence, transformation and societal impact.