Academic

Disappointing unemployment figures reinforce urgency for higher, job-rich growth

Not unexpectedly, the latest unemployment figures for the second quarter of 2024 rose to 33,5% against the background of previous weak economic data that negatively influenced job creation.

In commenting on the release of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of 2024 by Statistics SA, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says the gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures in recent quarters have been disappointing.

Submitted on Wed, 08/14/2024 - 08:30

Academic inducted as fellow of Nigerian Academy of Letters

Prof Abiodun Salawu, an academic at the North-West University (NWU) and the director of the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area, has been inducted as a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) during the academy’s annual convocation ceremony on 8 August 2024.

The Nigerian Academy of Letters, founded in 1974, serves as the apex body for arts and literature in Nigeria, promoting excellence in the humanities through its fellowship programme, which includes categories for foundation, regular, overseas and honorary fellows.

Submitted on Mon, 08/12/2024 - 10:27

Alumnus unpacks academic entrepreneurship

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) hosted its third Food Security and Safety (FSS) seminar on 8 August 2024.

NWU alumnus and CEO of Eco-Agro Enterprise Pty Ltd Dr Sydwell Sihlangu was the guest speaker.

Dr Sihlangu spoke about academic entrepreneurship, which he described as a means of commercialisation, transforming knowledge into products, processes and organisations, thereby contributing to economic growth and innovation.

Submitted on Mon, 08/12/2024 - 08:46

A new book from the NWU explores the digitalisation-employment relationship in Africa

A new book written by a group of researchers from the TRADE research entity at the North-West University (NWU) delves into digital developments in Africa and their effects on employment. Titled Digital developments and employment: Understanding trends in Africa, the book is published by AOSIS under an open-access licence.

Submitted on Thu, 08/08/2024 - 10:19

Renowned Kenyan author and scholar to deliver public lecture

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area will be hosting renowned Kenyan author and scholar, Prof Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who will deliver a public lecture on 15 August 2024.

During the lecture, titled "The Joycean Paradox revisited: Language empires and literary identity theft", Prof Wa Thiong’o will explore themes related to linguistic imperialism and the impact of colonial languages on literary identity.

Submitted on Wed, 08/07/2024 - 15:26

Engaged Scholarship Impact Indaba - a convergence of minds and ideas

The Faculty of Health Sciences at North-West University (NWU) recently hosted an Engaged Scholarship Impact Indaba at the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

The dynamic one-day hybrid-event brought together community champions - including academics, community leaders, practitioners and students - to explore the potential of engaged scholarship.

Participants from various sectors shared their experiences and insights, making the Indaba an ideal platform for knowledge exchange and dialogue.

Submitted on Fri, 07/26/2024 - 15:02

Celebrating the first graduates of pioneering mechatronics degree

The North-West University (NWU) is proud to announce the graduation of the first cohort from its innovative mechatronics degree programme, recently introduced by the Faculty of Engineering. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone for the university.

Prof Kenny Uren from the School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, highlights the unique nature of this programme.

Submitted on Fri, 07/26/2024 - 10:34

Students gain valuable insight and exposure at congress

By Bonolo Monaisa

Students and staff from the North-West University (NWU) recently attended the 28th South African Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SBMB) Congress in Polokwane on 10 July 2024.

Hosted by the University of Venda, the congress was themed "Biochemistry Leading the Future" and attracted more than 350 delegates from around the globe.

Tsholofelo Moloi, Sinenhlanhla Mthembu, Marakia Moetlediwa and Masibulele Mdutyana were among the students in attendance.

Submitted on Thu, 07/25/2024 - 08:00