As South Africa marks Transport Month in October, it's an opportune time to reflect on the profound shifts in the logistics sector that have redefined how goods are transported and delivered. The pandemic-induced changes in consumer behaviour have accelerated the rise of last-mile delivery, transforming it into a critical pillar of modern logistics. What once relied on large-scale, long-haul freight systems has now given way to more personalised last-mile solutions that deliver items directly to consumers’ doorsteps.

Take a moment to consider these figures. South Africa’s transport sector contributes about 8% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). We have a 750 000 km road network that carries 80% of freight and 70% of passenger traffic. We have one of the largest rail systems in Africa with approximately 30 400 kilometres of track. Air transport is facilitated by 90 licensed airports and maritime transport carries 96% of the country’s exports by volume.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) unwavering commitment to community engagement is deeply rooted in its initiatives of empowering the communities it serves using research to address relevant needs.

The NWU’s Sustainability and Community Impact division recently held its annual Youth Learning Festival (YLF) – welcoming about 150 young people from the Stilfontein and Fochville areas to the Potchefstroom Campus.

Every 27 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer or a blood disorder. Yet, four out of 10 people globally in need of a matching, unrelated stem-cell donor are unable to find one. With these staggering statistics in mind, the Centre for Human Metabolomics in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) teamed up with DKMS Africa to make a difference.

In the final part of our series of articles celebrating Tourism Month, we again look at the phenomenal work the North-West University’s (NWU’s) research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) is doing to infuse the tourism sector with its expertise, to make the sector visible and to protect our tourism heritage. This is why tourism matters.

South Africa’s place on the global tourism stage: A competitive destination

The research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) at the North-West University (NWU) has established itself as a leading research unit focusing on sustainable tourism.

TREES distinguishes itself by conducting innovative research on the economic, environmental and social impacts of tourism, and in promoting evidence-based strategies to enhance the sector's growth. The unit plays a crucial role in promoting tourism in South Africa by analysing market trends, developing sustainable tourism models, and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) hosted another successful Teaching and Learning Conference from 10 to 12 September.

Themed "Student centricity in teaching and learning at the NWU", the conference stressed the importance of reimagining teaching and learning methodologies to better cater to the specific needs of NWU students.

Kimera Govender’s path from student to environmental advocate is an indication of her passion for sustainability, the environment and her community. A proud alumnus of the North-West University (NWU), her path has now led her to being a finalist in the prestigious Miss Earth South Africa competition, where she is making a significant impact on her community while promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.

The North-West University (NWU) delivered a commanding performance in the semi-final clash against the University of the Free State (UFS), defeating them 4-0 at the NWU Mahikeng Stadium to cement their place in the Varsity Football final.

The result was a reversal of fortune after UFS had beaten the NWU in the group stages. This time, the home side dominated from the onset, leaving UFS with little chance of repeating their previous success.

The Ministry of Electricity and Energy hosted its Nuclear Energy Summit on 12 September at River Meadow Manor in Irene, Pretoria, and the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Prof Bismark Tyobeka, made his expert voice heard.

The theme of the summit was “Enhancing Nuclear Technology for Sustainable Development in South Africa”.