The 1% rise in the unemployment level in the first quarter of 2025 raises another red flag about South Africa’s weak growth performance.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says with the gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecasts for 2025 having been progressively reduced by various institutions and economists to about 1,5% and below, it is not unexpected that this should now be reflected in higher unemployment levels.

Nursing is an indispensable, noble profession – the backbone of our healthcare sector. It demands unwavering commitment and a dedication to serve a purpose higher than oneself. Too often, nurses are the unsung heroes of healthcare, but not today. Every year on 12 May, the world celebrates International Nurses Day, marking the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

Today, we collectively reflect on the immeasurable value of nurses as they are deservedly placed in the spotlight.

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

One of the world’s most-cited African scholars, Professor Toyin Falola, has received an honorary doctorate from the North-West University (NWU).

The degree was conferred on 9 May 2025 during a graduation ceremony held at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus. This recognition marks a significant milestone in the university’s relationship with the eminent historian, who delivered a public lecture recently humanities education for African futures.

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

Spearheading curriculum change, empowering educators to use decolonial syllabi and engaging students as critical thinkers and change agents is the mission of the new Centre for Teaching Excellence and Curricular Engagement (CTECE) at the North-West University.

The new centre, marking the university’s commitment to redefining education in the Faculty of Humanities, was launched at Mmabatho Palms Hotel and streamed online on 8 May 2025.

North-West University (NWU) graduate Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has been named the 2024 Spokesperson of the Year by the National Press Club, recognising her work in national police communication during a year of major public events.

The North-West University (NWU) and the North West provincial government (NWP) are joining forces to address problems in the province. They signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 29 April that will enable cooperation on a host of pressing challenges.

The decision by the National Treasury not to increase value-added tax (VAT) on 1 May is the right one in the current circumstances.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says after an intensive debate a rise in VAT was eventually seen to be unnecessary, and economically and politically it also failed to command wide support.

The North-West University (NWU) is proud to announce that its soon-to-be-established medical school will be honorifically named the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

This decision was taken in consultation with – and received the approval of – the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust.

The groundwork was laid over a year ago, and the foundation has been continuously reinforced through engagement with staff and students, the formulation of policies and guidelines, extensive planning and investigations and – most importantly – a shared commitment to embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in an ethical and responsible way at the North-West University (NWU). Although the wait is over, and there is still much hard work ahead, the University can say: Congratulations, the NWU AI Hub has officially been launched.

The North-West University (NWU) has again emerged as a leader in accounting education in South Africa. Its candidates achieved an overall pass rate of 95% in the January 2025 Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) examinations of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia (ICAN).  

This compares to the national average pass rate of 70%, according to the results, which were announced on Friday, 4 April 2025.