By Karen van den Berg, Senior Psychologist at SCD
It’s exam time, and with that comes a lot of stress and anxiety. Although stress can often be good for you and act as a motivator, anxiety is the dark side of stress and can have a negative impact on how we function.
October is Transport Month in South Africa. Alexander Samuels, from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) and lecturer in the Department of Transport Economics and Logistics Management, explains why studying transport infrastructure is a worthwhile choice for prospective students, especially at the NWU.
Prof Francois van der Westhuizen, deputy dean for research and innovation of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), has been awarded the prestigious Hofmeyr-Van Schaik Gold Medal by the South African Genetics Society (SAGS).
This is in recognition of his contributions over three decades to advancing research, diagnosis, and awareness of rare genetic diseases in South African populations.
The society presents this award biennially to one academic following a nomination and review process.
"If your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon," according to British playwright and screenwriter Tom Stoppard. This sentiment is echoed by Thabiso Moss, an alumnus of the North-West University (NWU) and a senior journalist at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
“Tito Mboweni was a formidable leader, with deep economic insights that greatly shaped South Africa’s post-apartheid policies and structures, such as the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), labour law and Nedlac.”
Reacting to the death of former Finance Minister and SARB Governor Tito Mboweni, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says he was saddened to hear of his unexpected passing over the weekend and sends his condolences to his family.
As South Africans celebrate Transport Month in October, we should broaden our focus beyond infrastructure and modernisation to the more nuanced and pressing issue of universal access to transport. This annual observance is a time to reflect on how transport systems impact everyone, especially those who are marginalised by their physical or financial limitations. While President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the need for universal access to transport, significant challenges remain, especially for the most vulnerable commuters.
The final round of the sixth annual Leopards Lair® student business pitching competition was hosted jointly by the TTIS, bhive Enterprise Development Centre and the North-West University (NWU) Business School on Thursday, 3 October.
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.