While cities in Africa expand rapidly and the pressure for economic growth is increasing, the protected areas on the continent face a complex challenge: how to conserve nature and empower people.

At the North-West University (NWU) the Protected Areas Research Group, led by Prof. Reece Alberts, Prof. François Retief, Prof. Claudine Roos and Prof. Dirk Cilliers, is working to find exactly that balance.

• STEM education needs to be put in the spotlight for South Africa to revive its ailing education sector. 
• The education system is not producing underachievers; it is manufacturing exclusion. 
• Teaching must be restored to its former prestige, which is a respected, aspirational career rather than a reluctant fallback. 
• The state must confront its own complacency.

The battle against HIV in sub-Saharan Africa has always been as much about systems and science as about the virus itself. Antiretroviral therapy has turned what was once a death sentence into a manageable condition.

Yet, as Dr Monray Williams of the North-West University (NWU) cautions, “millions of people still face barriers to prevention and treatment. Poverty, limited healthcare infrastructure, and social stigma continue to shape who gets care and who does not.”

The North-West University (NWU) honoured ten remarkable professionals at its prestigious biennial Alumni Excellence Awards ceremony held in Pretoria on 30 October.

This year’s distinguished honourees include veteran South African actor Hans Strydom, World Cup cricket star Tazmin Brits, and health economist Prof James Avoka Asamani, among others.

Through the Alumni Excellence Awards, the NWU recognises exceptional alumni whose work is making a lasting impact in their respective fields and in society.

By Prof Linda du Plessis

Donors and industry partners play a vital role in keeping dreams alive at the North-West University (NWU). This was highlighted at the annual Donors and Stakeholders Luncheon, held in Pretoria on 28 October, at which the university expressed its deep appreciation for these invaluable partnerships.

A university should be a transformative environment in which students can explore their passions and grow as individuals. While this experience shapes future professionals and responsible citizens, ensuring student safety is equally important.

• The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 projects that South Africa will generate more electricity from non–fossil-fuel sources than from fossil fuels.

• South Africa can reclaim its leadership position as Africa’s foremost nuclear power nation.

• The IRP recognises the urgency with which we must act in addressing climate change.

The North-West University (NWU) continues to build on its reputation as a globally competitive and innovative institution, maintaining its position among the world’s leading universities in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. This achievement reaffirms the standing of the NWU locally and internationally and highlights its consistent pursuit of academic and research excellence. The new strategy of the NWU, Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond, is firmly guiding the institution in its pursuit of distinction.

The Varsity Cup team and Joubert Schoeman were among the many award recipients who received recognition on a night dedicated to excellence and a passion for the game.

Coaches and players traded boots for formal wear on Monday night as the North-West University (NWU) Rugby Institute hosted its year-end function and awards ceremony. Known for their grit on the field, the athletes were now dressed to the nines, celebrating a season of hard work, growth and historic success.

“Rugby is more than a game. It is a reflection of who we are and what we stand for.”