A continued downward trajectory is the only possible forecast for South Africa’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) if political appointments in SOEs continue to take precedence over expertise.

This is according to Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU). Prof Tyobeka says this is not only an inescapable truth, but a gross dereliction of duty by those in key positions, which serves to hamper economic growth to the detriment of the country’s struggling citizens.

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Keaoleboga Motshabi

The North-West University (NWU) Eagles cricket team on the Mahikeng Campus walked away as champions in the North West Cricket (NWC) First Club League 2023-2024 season, after a resounding victory over Klerksdorp Travellers IV in the final match on 23 March 2024.

Well, isn’t that a pretty picture? The North-West University (NWU) Eagles are sitting on top of the Varsity Cup log after beating CUT Ixias 53-46 in Bloemfontein.

In what was perhaps a case of complacency, the Eagles allowed a generous half-time lead of 37-12 to be systematically etched away by the home side, especially in the last 10 minutes when the Ixias scored three converted tries.

It was a late, impressive blitzkrieg by the underdogs, but the Eagles’ opening salvos proved effective enough to secure the win.

The chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Dr Anna Mokgokong, was again recognised for her remarkable achievements as an industry stalwart when she received the Black Industrialist Pioneer and Legacy Award at the second Black Industrialist and Exporters Conference.

The conference was held at the Sandton International Convention Centre on Wednesday 20 March, and President Cyril Ramaphosa presented the awards.

It was an event for the books as dignitaries and guests joined the North-West University (NWU) in celebrating two decades of greatness. The university not only reflected on the many milestones and achievements since its establishment, but also gave guests a glimpse of its plans for the future.

“The resolute leadership demonstrated by all NWU leaders over the years ensured our successful navigation through periods of uncertainty and turbulence, particularly during the early years of the NWU,” said Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor.

The North-West University (NWU) and the Public Service Education and Training Authority (PSETA) commenced discussions to enter into a formal collaboration to build the skills capabilities within the public service sector and fulfil both parties’ constitutional and statutory obligations.

On Thursday, 7 March 2024 delegates from the NWU and the PSETA met at the Potchefstroom Campus and shared their insights and perspectives regarding ways in which they can enhance their partnership and achieve mutually beneficial goals and objectives.

What do you get when you merge two higher-education entities, each on a mission of excellence? The result is a world-class university that continues to excel not only among the cream of the crop of tertiary-education institutions – as is evident in the local and international rankings – but also in its achievements in all spheres of academia and student life.

In an inequitable world, achieving social justice is central to bringing about a better world. We need a new breed of legal leaders ready to make the law in all its fields and services more accessible to people.

The double burden of malnutrition – undernutrition and obesity happening at the same time – affects most low- and middle-income countries. In Africa, which has a complicated food system, it poses complex health challenges that need to be addressed by nutrition professionals on the continent.

The African Nutrition Leadership Programme (ANLP) has for 22 years played a pivotal role in leadership capacity building and the development of early- and mid-career nutrition professionals and institutions, not only locally, but also on the rest of the African continent.

The overarching message from the principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Prof Bismark Tyobeka, was one of optimism, gratitude and determination during the official opening of the 2024 academic year on Friday, 23 February.

The official ceremony took place at the Potchefstroom Campus, with a live broadcast to the Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark campuses.