Academic

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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Conference emphasises the importance of involving indigenous knowledge holders to develop smart villages

The North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with the national Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Nyandeni Local Municipality, recently concluded a two-day conference focused on smart villages, themed “Indigenous Knowledge-led Smart Village Regeneration”. This event attracted participation from a diverse group of scholars, researchers, indigenous-knowledge students, traditional leadership and innovators representing various universities both nationally and internationally.

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This is how the North-West University is shaping graduates for our digital future

Tomorrow we will not be able to recognise yesterday. The day after, all that came before will seem prehistoric. With the rapid rate at which technology is advancing and infiltrating our everyday lives, adaptability is crucial not only to survive, but to thrive. In this rapidly evolving world, higher-education institutions must continuously adapt to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the 21st-century job market.

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