Academic

Dr Masego Matjila’s fight to keep Setswana alive

For decades Dr Masego Ezekiel “Easy” Matjila’s voice has carried the baton of the Setswana language in the hope of handing it over to the younger generation. This message came across loud and clear at a recent event at the North-West University (NWU).

On 13 March 2025, he shared his journey in Setswana broadcasting at the annual public lecture hosted by the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research entity at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.

Submitted on Mon, 03/17/2025 - 10:08

Budget seeks balance between fiscal sustainability and economic growth

The revised Budget statement presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on 12 March, proposing a new fiscal mix of spending, borrowing and taxing as a response to the previous opposition to the 2% rise in VAT proposed in the original Budget, diverges to some extent from the parameters outlined in the original Budget.

Submitted on Thu, 03/13/2025 - 10:13

Sustainability reporting poses challenges for JSE-listed companies

Companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) must navigate evolving sustainability reporting requirements to ensure compliance, credibility and investor confidence.

Prof Neels Kilian of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Law outlined the complexities of this shift in his inaugural lecture – titled “The legal background to integrated financial reporting” – on 5 March 2025 at the Potchefstroom Campus.

“The JSE has taken steps to standardise sustainability reporting,” Prof Kilian said. “But ensuring consistent compliance remains a challenge.”

Submitted on Wed, 03/12/2025 - 11:05

New research offers hope in Africa’s malaria crisis

A new weapon in the battle against malaria is emerging, and this time not from a laboratory, but rather driven by machine learning.

Researchers at the North-West University (NWU) have leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the search for life-saving drugs, a breakthrough that could shift the tide against this deadly disease.

Submitted on Tue, 03/11/2025 - 15:00

International Symposium showcases a modern approach to academic discourse

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management recently held a successful international symposium that brought together esteemed academics and industry professionals from around the globe.

Prof Marissa Brouwers, deputy director of the school, says the need for the symposium was motivated by the visit of three distinguished international academics, Prof Charissa Freese and Prof Irmgard Borghouts from Tilburg University in the Netherlands, and Prof Nick Prince from Wyoming University, USA.

Submitted on Tue, 03/11/2025 - 11:28

Kohinoor Business School delegation visits North-West University

The North-West University (NWU) hosted a delegation from the Kohinoor Business School (KBS), Mumbai, from 23 February to 4 March, in a visit aimed at strengthening academic collaboration, cultural exchange and industry engagement. The visit was coordinated by Prof Ephrem Redda from the WorkWell Research Unit at the NWU.

Submitted on Tue, 03/11/2025 - 11:23

Inaugural lecture explores laughter as protest in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe’s evolving political landscape, where promises of reform have yet to materialise, one unexpected force has emerged – comedy.

While official narratives speak of progress, social media tells a different story, one shaped by satire, memes and skits that turn national struggles into humour. But in a country where dissent carries risks, is laughter merely an escape, or is it a tool of resistance?

Submitted on Tue, 03/11/2025 - 11:03

Veteran broadcaster to share his journey in Setswana broadcasting during public lecture

The Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research entity at the North-West University (NWU) will host its annual public lecture at the Mahikeng Campus on 13 March 2025.

The lecture will focus on the role of indigenous languages in media, with veteran broadcaster and NWU honorary doctorate recipient Dr Masego Ezekiel “Easy” Matjila as the keynote speaker.

Submitted on Fri, 03/07/2025 - 09:36

Scholars harness theology and social work to address father absence in South Africa

The absence of fathers in households is more than a family issue, it is a societal crisis with lasting consequences for individuals and communities.

Prof Fazel Freeks from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Theology and Prof Elzahne Simeon de Jager from the subject group Social Work are leading a community engagement project to explore how this phenomenon shapes the lives of children, increasing their vulnerability and need for protection.

Submitted on Fri, 03/07/2025 - 09:29

From selling tekkies to award-winning lecturer

Dr Thulisile Bhuda once stood behind the counter at a Tekkie Town store in in a mall, ringing up customers’ purchases. Now, years later, she stands in front of a lecture hall of students at the University of Mpumalanga, sharing her knowledge of culture and heritage, with a PhD in indigenous knowledge from the North-West University (NWU) behind her name.

Submitted on Thu, 03/06/2025 - 08:53