The disappointing gross domestic product (GDP) growth figure of 0,1% for the first quarter of 2025, released by StasSA on 3 June, comes as no surprise, as it merely confirms several months of muted high-frequency economic data that pointed to this likely outcome.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says although adverse global developments earlier this year have also played a role, the weaker economic data was already apparent before then.

The countdown has begun. On Tuesday afternoon at precisely 12:46, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), turned the first sod at the Potchefstroom Campus construction site of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

This ceremonial gesture marked the official commencement of construction of South Africa’s 11th medical school, with the first cohort of students expected to enrol in 2028.

In a country where the number of female academics specialising in occupational hygiene is exceptionally small, the North-West University (NWU) stands out as a national and continental leader.

Of the only eight known female academics in South Africa with a specialised focus in this field, an astounding five are based at the NWU. This speaks volumes about the university’s commitment to advancing occupational hygiene and promoting female academic leadership in a historically male-dominated discipline.

• Researchers have created a comprehensive list of indigenous names for frogs and reptiles in order to promote inclusive conservation

• People are far more likely to protect what they can name

• South Africa’s indigenous languages have long been marginalised in science

• The inclusion of indigenous names in biodiversity literature is not only good science, but also democratic

By Gofaone Motsamai

An air of possibility and curiosity pervaded the campuses of the North-West University (NWU) in May as prospective students, parents and guardians attended a series of Open Day events.

The Mahikeng Campus hosted the first event on 10 May, followed by Potchefstroom on 17 May and Vanderbijlpark on 24 May. Each event offered a glimpse into the academic programmes, student support services and inclusive culture the NWU prides itself on.

In an exciting move that promises to reshape how we think about education, the North-West University (NWU) has joined hands with the University of Lincoln in the UK to bring Arcademia, a dynamic, game-based learning initiative, to South Africa.

This collaboration stems from a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions in November 2023. At the heart of this partnership lies a shared belief: that learning can be innovative, hands-on and even ... fun.

Living out core values is not just encouraged at the North-West University (NWU) – it is celebrated. On 22 May, the university hosted a recognition and rewards ceremony to acknowledge staff and students who embody the spirit and excellence of the NWU.

Now in their third year, the NWU Media and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) Recognition Awards acknowledge those who go above and beyond as ambassadors for the university. At this year’s event, held at the ANEW Resort Hunters Rest in Rustenburg, 13 exceptional individuals received awards across eight categories.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s revised third Budget is a pragmatic one, given the current circumstances.

This is the view of Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School. In commenting on the third Budget presented to Parliament on 21 May, Prof Parsons says that, as was stressed by the Finance Minister, various compromises and trade-offs have now been inevitable to achieve a workable balancing of the books that builds confidence.

Dr Tshepo Alex Malapane, an alumnus of the NWU, was honoured with the Most Influential Man in South Africa 2025 award in a powerful moment of national pride and reflection. This prestigious recognition was part of the 2025 Influential Men & Artes Awards, a landmark event celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to South African society. The awards ceremony, held at Gold Reef City on 27 April 2025, was organised and hosted by Big M Productions.

The North-West University (NWU) has once again shown it is the knowledge hub of choice in the province. The latest high-profile graduate is the North West Legislature’s chief whip, Motlalepue Ziphorah Rosho, who received her master’s degree in communication at the recent graduation ceremony held at the Mahikeng Campus’s Great Hall. A former member of the Executive Committee for Finance in the province, Motlalepue was also a spokesperson for the North West Department of Agriculture.