Academic

How exchange rate swings shape growth in BRICS nations

When the Brazilian real stumbles or the Chinese yuan strengthens, the ripple travels far beyond currency traders’ screens; it strikes at the heart of the economic performance of nations belonging to the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) bloc.

That’s the central premise of research by recent NWU PhD graduate Dr Goitsemodimo Abel Molocwa, whose recent investigation into the BRICS bloc unpacks how fluctuations in exchange rates tilt the scales of growth.

Submitted on Tue, 06/03/2025 - 12:27

NWU climbs to top 4,1% of global universities

The implementation of the recently approved strategy of the North-West University (NWU) is starting to show positive results. The strategy – Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond – prioritises, among other things, internationalisation, partnerships and impact. Consequently, the NWU now ranks in the top 4,1% of universities worldwide. This is according to the 2025 edition of the outcome-based Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). The CWUR published the latest ranking on 2 June.

Submitted on Tue, 06/03/2025 - 10:36

Women lead the way in the field of occupational hygiene in academia

In a country where the number of female academics specialising in occupational hygiene is exceptionally small, the North-West University (NWU) stands out as a national and continental leader.

Of the only eight known female academics in South Africa with a specialised focus in this field, an astounding five are based at the NWU. This speaks volumes about the university’s commitment to advancing occupational hygiene and promoting female academic leadership in a historically male-dominated discipline.

Submitted on Fri, 05/30/2025 - 10:20

Reduction in interest rates can have a significant positive impact

The widely anticipated decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to resume its interest rate-easing cycle by reducing rates by another 25 basis points (bps) is the right one.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist of the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says the MPC decision of 29 May is welcome recognition of the changed economic circumstances that have made this possible.

Submitted on Fri, 05/30/2025 - 10:09

With three degrees and a global publication, Aurleen Shenjere is a rising star in academia

At just 23 years old, Aurleen Shenjere has achieved what many spend a lifetime striving towards – three degrees, including a master’s degree completed in under a year, and an academic publication in an international peer-reviewed journal. Her story is one of exceptional discipline, resilience and purpose – driven by a deep desire to grow and to inspire.

Submitted on Fri, 05/30/2025 - 10:05

Transforming housing research into an exploration of personal and cultural rediscovery

By Gofaone Motsamai

Years of study, fieldwork and reflection have culminated in a book that combines experience and policy on a touchy subject in South Africa, housing.

Dr Salphinah Vuloyimuni Ubisi, a lecturer in the subject group Public Administration and Local Government at the North-West University (NWU), described how her work had evolved into a project that reconnected her with her heritage during a seminar on 15 May.

Submitted on Thu, 05/29/2025 - 08:05

TELIT-SA and FEMS ignite dialogue on E-Learning and AI with Dr Badrul Khan

In a landmark session that brought together forward-thinking academics and institutional leaders, the Technology Enhanced Learning and Innovative Training and Education in South Africa (TELIT-SA), based within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (FEMS) at the North-West University (NWU), hosted internationally acclaimed e-learning pioneer Dr Badrul Khan for a powerful conversation on the future of education in a digital age.

Submitted on Thu, 05/29/2025 - 08:02

Celebrating a legacy in numbers: Honouring Prof Jamshid Moori

Phenyo Mokgothu and Keaoleboga Motshabi

“I built this department from the ground up – and now I return to see the seeds have grown into a forest.” These were the heartfelt words of Prof Jamshid Moori as the North-West University (NWU) celebrated his legacy and his 80th birthday during a special mathematics conference held in his honour at the Mahikeng Campus.

Submitted on Tue, 05/27/2025 - 08:04

NWU and University of Lincoln bring game-based learning to life with Arcademia

In an exciting move that promises to reshape how we think about education, the North-West University (NWU) has joined hands with the University of Lincoln in the UK to bring Arcademia, a dynamic, game-based learning initiative, to South Africa.

This collaboration stems from a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions in November 2023. At the heart of this partnership lies a shared belief: that learning can be innovative, hands-on and even ... fun.

Submitted on Mon, 05/26/2025 - 15:27