Human Interest

Ranking agencies sing NWU’s praises

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:36:46 +0000

Ranking agencies sing NWU’s praises

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 12/11/2024 - 07:36

Three rankings confirm that the North-West University (NWU) is an institution that shines not only locally but also internationally, and can stand tall among some of the world’s greatest universities.

Students can be assured that when they decide on the NWU as their preferred choice for higher education, they also choose a university that is not only known for excellence but is making an impact in addressing pressing issues in Africa.

This is evident in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) University Rankings for 2024 by Times Higher Education (THE). According to this ranking, the NWU is sixth in South Africa and 17th in Africa out of 129 universities from 22 countries. These rankings specifically assess the impact of universities in addressing some of the toughest challenges faced in the region. It considers, among other things, the impact a university has in Africa, as well as the factors such as student engagement, access and fairness, and ethical leadership.

It explores themes that include university education, teaching quality, financial strength and addressing inequality. According to the SSA, the rankings not only assess current performance, but also help universities to identify key areas where they can improve. This was the first year the NWU participated in the SSA rankings. For more information about the SSA, visit https://www.timeshighereducation.com/sub-saharan-africa-university-rank….

Leading the way in social and environmental sustainability

The NWU is among the leading higher-education institutions locally and in Africa in responding to crucial environmental, social and governance issues. This is according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings for Sustainability 2025. QS published their results on 10 December.

This ranking places the NWU among the top seven out of 13 universities in South Africa, top eight in Africa out of 70 institutions on the continent, and overall 505th out of the 1 751 institutions that qualified for the ranking internationally.

The three performance lenses applied in each of the three categories are environmental impact, social impact and governance. Each performance lens is made up of separate indicators that are used to calculate a score.

The NWU was 176th for Governance, 524th for Social Impact, and 637th for Environmental Impact.

According to QS World University Rankings for Sustainability in 2025, universities must be eligible for the QS World University Rankings and the QS Rankings by Region or the QS Rankings by Subject to qualify for the Sustainability ranking.

For more information about the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2025, visit https://www.topuniversities.com/sustainability-rankings.

NWU excelling through research and innovation in Africa

The 2024 SCImago Institutions Rankings highlight African universities that have excelled in research output, societal impact and innovation. This ranking placed the NWU in the top 10 of its rankings – a significant achievement, as 283 universities were considered in the rankings.

The ranking placed the NWU 25th overall in their universities category.

SCImago’s three different sets of indicators (20 in total) are divided into three groups intended to reflect scientific, economic and social characteristics of institutions measured by their web visibility. For more information about this ranking, visit https://www.scimagoir.com/rankings.php?country=Africa.

Education technologist highlights inclusive learning at international conference

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:08:53 +0000

Education technologist highlights inclusive learning at international conference

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 12/10/2024 - 13:08

South Africans might be surprised to discover that some of the country’s language challenges are similar to those faced in multilingual countries in the northern hemisphere. This is according to Orefile Malebo, an education technologist at the North-West University (NWU), who recently made a presentation at the Online Educa Berlin conference in Germany.

Held from 27 to 29 November 2024, the event brought together education leaders from across the globe to discuss the role of technology in education.

Orefile presented an article co-authored with Dr Thamie Ndlovu titled “Creating inclusive learning environments with Universal Design for Learning (UDL)”. The research focuses on adopting and implementing UDL principles at the NWU to create inclusive and adaptable learning environments.

Catering for students from different cultures

"UDL is about recognising that not all students learn in the same way," says Orefile, who is part of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) on the Vanderbijlpark Campus. "At the CTL, we aim to adapt to the diverse needs of students who come from different cultures within South Africa and across Africa."

The research highlights how NWU integrates UDL principles into its blended learning approach. Strategies include offering alternative methods of delivering content, such as videos, immediate feedback through online quizzes, and the use of infographics. The goal is to ensure content accessibility for a diverse student population.

Thirty participants attended Orefile's presentation on 28 November. "I was excited to see the level of interest in the topic, even though I felt a bit nervous as it was my first time presenting at an international conference," she says.

The presentation included an interactive activity to demonstrate UDL principles. Participants were taught how to greet in Sesotho, using the word "Dumelang", which means "hello" when addressing a group. The session combined live demonstrations, video instructions and interactive cards.

"The activity highlighted how language challenges in South Africa are similar to those faced in countries like Canada and Germany," Orefile notes. "It was encouraging to see attendees engaging with the activity and reflecting on the shared challenges of inclusive education."

Orefile describes the experience as impactful, providing an opportunity to share insights from NWU's implementation of UDL and learn from global perspectives. "It was a privilege to represent NWU and contribute to the ongoing conversation about how technology can support inclusive education."

Orefile Malebo presents at the Online Educa Berlin conference in Germany.

Tswala! project bridges the digital divide in South African schools

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:03:04 +0000

Tswala! project bridges the digital divide in South African schools BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 12/10/2024 - 13:03

By:Optentia research unit

A groundbreaking initiative aimed at closing the digital divide in schools across Africa is making significant strides. The project, named Tswala! – a Setswana word meaning "closing" – seeks to bridge the gap between students, teachers and the world by integrating digital tools into classrooms. Its goal is to transform education by providing students and teachers with the technology needed to engage in modern, interactive learning.

In 2023, the International Health Awareness Network (IHAN), in partnership with the Optentia research unit, donated R200 000 worth of Galaxy tablets to Eloff Primary School near Delmas.

This donation was part of a larger effort to support the digital transformation of education and was co-created with input from the school’s teachers. The aim of this donation is to help the school better equip its learners to engage with educational content, to interact with one another, and to connect with the wider world.

Building on the success of this pilot project, IHAN plans to expand the initiative to 100 schools across Africa. Many schools in the region still face significant challenges in accessing digital technology, with traditional teaching methods often being the norm. This project seeks to overcome those barriers by providing students and educators with essential digital tools.

In 2024, the initiative saw further collaboration as academics from the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Education joined forces with IHAN’s founder, Dr Sorosh Roshan, and secretary Leila Farshchian. The team revisited Eloff Primary School to assess the impact of the tablets and expanded the programme to other schools.

Among the new beneficiaries was Kamagugu Primary School in Mbombela, which specialises in educating children with significant disabilities. The school received tablets to enhance learning for its students.

Additionally, Ntolo High School, located near Garankuwa, also benefited from the donation of tablets. Destinata School in Meyerton, which caters to children with learning barriers, was provided with laptops to support specialised software for students with hearing difficulties.

Ntolo High School’s principal, Mr SJ Phillips, expressed his gratitude. “I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of tablets to our school. Your contribution has not only equipped our classrooms with valuable technology, but has also opened new doors of opportunity for our students,” he said.

“These tablets will transform the way our learners engage with education. With access to digital tools and resources, our students are now better equipped to explore

interactive learning, enhance their skills, and stay connected in an increasingly digital world.”

The future of the Tswala! project looks promising, with plans to distribute more technology to as many schools as possible across the country and continent. The initiative also aims to intensify support for the four schools that have already received gadgets.

This project represents a vital step forward in ensuring that all students, regardless of location or background, have access to the digital tools needed to succeed in the modern world.

Join in the journey the Tswala! project team took to Destinata School:

Children at Eloff Primary School are using the tablets donated by the International Health Awareness Network.

Dr Khido Ramadie helps learners tackle mental health during exams

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 07:24:08 +0000

Dr Khido Ramadie helps learners tackle mental health during exams BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 12/10/2024 - 09:24

By Oscar Mosiane and Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu

Dr Khido Ramadie, a wellness counsellor at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, has dedicated her life to promoting education and wellness.

Born in Lichtenburg in the North West Province, she started her journey as a teacher after obtaining a diploma in teaching in 1994. Fuelled by her love for education, she obtained a BA in psychology while employed, ultimately leading to her position in wellness counselling.

Her path to the NWU was well-planned. She began instructing part-time research courses at the university and became a full-time lecturer and wellness counsellor in 2019.

Dr Ramadie currently focuses her efforts on academic guidance and promoting mental health awareness. She takes pleasure in interacting with students and aiding in their personal development. Beyond her job, she delights in participating in church events, preparing meals, swimming, and enjoying books.

Supporting students through mental health advocacy

As a wellness counsellor Dr Ramadie tackles topics related to anxiety and stress, particularly in students and young adults. Her efforts reach beyond the classroom.

Collaborating with the North West Department of Education, she goes to schools to help students manage examination-related stress. "Students frequently experience fear and uncertainty during examinations, especially those in matric. They require steady assistance," she explains.

Dr Ramadie suggests that parents and teachers provide reassurance to students in difficult situations. Her method focuses on setting a routine at home, encouraging physical movement, and instructing methods such as deep breathing for stress management.

Her dedication to mental health is also clear in the guidance she provides to colleagues. "I urge employees to promote understanding and a supportive environment. It’s essential for both personal and career growth.”

The impact of anxiety on behaviour

Anxiety affects behaviour and personality, dictating how people respond to various circumstances, says Dr Ramadie. “Some individuals might retreat socially, steering clear of interactions or challenges because of fear of criticism, leading to feelings of isolation. Anxiety frequently leads to overthinking, resulting in indecisiveness and constant self-doubt. Some manage by focusing on others' needs, turning into people-pleasers who find it hard to establish boundaries.”

In more extreme instances, anxiety may present as isolation, sadness or frustration, causing individuals to become aggressive or experience a sense of being overwhelmed. “Anxiety typically influences individuals' actions or reactions, yet these are adaptive responses to feelings of uncertainty,” she adds, highlighting the importance of comprehending and addressing these behaviours with compassion.

Building resilience

Dr Ramadie’s efforts are rooted in a commitment to uplift individuals confronting challenges. She aims to offer tools and resources that help students tackle challenges, whether academic or personal.

Her guidance for parents during exam time is straightforward: foster a tranquil, supportive atmosphere, track progress subtly without stress, and promote honest communication. "A regular routine can lead to a notable change," she says.

Dr Khido Ramadie

Alumnus makes his mark in full-time farming

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 06:49:19 +0000

Alumnus makes his mark in full-time farming

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 12/10/2024 - 08:49

Farming is often regarded as a noble profession that demands a unique set of qualities, including a profound appreciation for the land and animals and a steadfast commitment to hard work. Thamsanqa Ramosotho, an alumnus of the North-West University (NWU), embodies these attributes and has the qualifications to match.

He holds a diploma in agriculture and animal sciences and a BScHons in animal sciences from the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus, as well as a qualification in new venture creation from the NWU Business School.

In 2010, following the passing of his father, Thamsanqa started farming on communal land with an initial herd of 20 breeding cows. Presently, he oversees a total of 87 cows and heifers, which include two stud bulls of the Simbra and Bonsmara breeds, as well as one young Brahman bull. He also farms with sheep, goats, turkeys, chickens and ducks.

Before his full-time engagement in farming, he dedicated 24 months to working with unemployed agricultural graduates and completed three months as an agricultural practitioner. Subsequently, he chose to pursue farming as a full-time career.

"I am currently operating on communal land; however, I have participated in several interviews for the government's land lease programme since 2021. I remain optimistic that I will secure a farm in the future," says Thamsanqa.

North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, recently handed over 30 pregnant heifers and a bull to Thamsanqa as a beneficiary of the Department’s Unemployed Agricultural Graduates Programme. The handover was graced by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Nokuzola Capa, and took place on 22 November 2024 at Lekung Village just outside Mahikeng.

Thamsanqa Ramosotho.

Some of the pregnant Bonsmara heifers that Thamsanqa received from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Bafenyi Trust warms hearts with faith and food

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:06:55 +0000

Bafenyi Trust warms hearts with faith and food

by Belinda Bantham

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 12/09/2024 - 12:06

Dineo Mdingane has always believed in the power of community and the importance of lending a helping hand to those in need. As the managing director of Bafenyi Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to uplifting people in difficult circumstances through ministry and practical support, she has turned her passion into action.

One of the trust's most impactful initiatives is a soup kitchen in Promosa in Potchefstroom.

It started in 2020, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Dineo and her team at Bafenyi Trust recognised the growing need for food security within their community.
"We started by sending food parcels to community members in need," she recalls. "The government had issued essential services permits, and we were fortunate to be granted one."

The soup kitchen is still going strong today. It feeds 11 groups of people, five focused on children and six on adults. Altogether, meals are served to 1 300 people every week.

That is just a small part of the work Dineo and her team do.

Branching out into life skills and education

"The programme has evolved beyond just giving people food," she explains. "We offer life skills training in areas like parenting and financial management, helping people become more self-sufficient and encouraging them to view their lives differently."

For the children, Bafenyi Trust runs an after-school programme that offers support in subjects such as mathematics, English, and Afrikaans, while helping them develop a positive attitude toward their studies.

Dineo's passion for community engagement stems from her own academic and personal experiences. She began her studies at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus, initially enrolling in social work due to her strong desire to help disadvantaged people.

However, after a year in social development studies, she realised it wasn't the right fit for her. This realisation led her to psychology, driven by her interest in the mental and emotional healing needed in rural communities.

Her studies in psychology and sociology provided her with the tools to make a meaningful impact, particularly in breaking the stigma surrounding therapy. She graduated with a BA in psychology and sociology in 2017.

Collaboration and connections

The Bafenyi Trust's work is done in collaboration with others, including volunteers. As part of their 67 minutes of service for Mandela Day, a team from the NWU Corporate Relations and Marketing division visited the Bafenyi Trust. They donated groceries on behalf of the Alumni Relations office and assisted in preparing food for the groups, further strengthening the connection between the university and the community it serves.

Dineo highlights that the importance of collaboration, working closely with others who share the same heart and mission. "We're committed to helping people win, to providing a helping hand wherever we can because the need is there, and because we have the capacity and resources to help."

Their work is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose and a compassionate heart.

Deep roots in faith and community

Janneman van Wyk and Elsa Coetzee founded Bafenyi Trust in 2010. Initially, it focused on supporting preschool practitioners by helping them register with the relevant departments, providing training and supplying teaching materials. Over time, their mission expanded as they sought to address the broader needs of the communities they served.

At the centre of everything Bafenyi Trust does is a deep commitment to faith. "We are a faith-based organisation, and while we're focused on meeting practical needs, sharing the gospel is at the heart of our mission," Dineo shares. The trust is driven by a desire to help people not only survive but thrive. We equip them with the tools and mindset needed to excel and view their lives in a positive light.”

Progress Mpangane, Eagi, Dineo and Abigail Oliphant unpack the donation from the NWU’s Alumni Relations office.

Team members from Corporate Relations and Marketing and the Bafenyi Trust.

Beatrix Bouwman meets Pope Francis – a historic moment for global service-learning

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 09:42:25 +0000

Beatrix Bouwman meets Pope Francis – a historic moment for global service-learning

by Angeline Marokoane

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 12/09/2024 - 11:42

In a groundbreaking moment for the North-West University (NWU) and global service-learning, Beatrix “Bibi” Bouwman, director of sustainability and community impact (SCI), met His Holiness Pope Francis on 9 November 2024 during the V UNISERVITATE Global Symposium in the Vatican City.

This meeting marked a significant milestone in the NWU’s partnership with UNISERVITATE, a global network fostering community engagement in higher education institutions.
UNISERVITATE, an international initiative dedicated to institutionalising service-learning in Catholic higher education institutions, shares core principles with the NWU’s SCI mission. Founded on collaboration, respect for diversity and collective creation, UNISERVITATE promotes holistic education that combines academic excellence with ethical values – values deeply embedded in the NWU's teaching strategies and community engagement policies.

"At the NWU we believe in education that goes beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of social responsibility and ethical leadership," Bibi remarked. "Our collaboration with UNISERVITATE reflects this commitment."

Bibi has been a key figure in UNISERVITATE’s academic sounding board since 2019, leveraging her experience as the former chairperson of the South African Higher Education Community Engagement Forum. Representing the African hub based at Tangaza University in Nairobi, she provided strategic leadership to enhance service-learning initiatives across the continent. "The project aims to build hubs where meaningful community service can thrive, creating a sustainable impact worldwide," Bibi explained.

The V UNISERVITATE Symposium, hosted by LUMSA University, culminated in a private audience with Pope Francis. The two-day event featured discussions on institutionalising solidarity service-learning, with workshops and plenary sessions exploring its intersections with the Global Compact on Education and the Sustainable Development Goals. Bibi co-presented a workshop on “Changing of the Heart and Mind”, a concept central to the transformative approach of solidarity service-learning.

During the audience, Bibi presented Pope Francis with a special gift: a set of the NWU’s famous pens, crafted by Prof Louis du Preez from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management.

"The pens, made from purpleheart wood (Peltogyne paniculata), turn purple when exposed to sunlight. This wood, indigenous to South America – the Pope’s homeland – symbolised our respect and connection," she explained. The pens were presented in an engraved box, a token of the NWU’s deep admiration and goodwill.

"We shook hands, and I conveyed our best regards and good wishes on behalf of the NWU," Bibi shared. The personal interaction left a lasting impression, reinforcing the shared commitment to education that transcends borders.

The collaboration between the NWU and UNISERVITATE highlighted the universal power of service-learning to foster empathy, leadership and community engagement. Despite South Africa having no Catholic universities, the involvement of the NWU underscored its commitment to global dialogue and sustainable impact. “This partnership recognised the NWU’s expertise and reinforced our approach to meaningful community engagement,” Bibi noted.

The meeting with Pope Francis was more than a ceremonial event; it symbolised a shared commitment to education that transforms lives. For Bibi and the NWU, it was an opportunity to showcase South Africa’s contributions to global service-learning and to draw inspiration from one of the world’s most influential moral leaders.

As the symposium concluded, the message was clear: education is not just about knowledge, but about cultivating hearts and minds ready to serve a better world. For the NWU and its global partners, the journey towards a more compassionate and just society has taken a profound step forward.

Bibi Bouwman and His Holiness Pope Francis. She presented the Pope with a special gift.
Credito: ©2024 Servicio Fotografico Vaticano

A special gift to Pope Francis: a set of the NWU’s famous pens, crafted by Prof Louis du Preez from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management.

The pens, made from purpleheart wood (Peltogyne paniculata), turn purple when exposed to sunlight.

Academic sounding board members present: Andrew Furco, Leticia López Villareal, Daniela Gargantini, Bibi Bouwman, Arantzazu Martinez Odria, and Bojana Culum.

African hub leaders and rectors of Catholic universities from Africa.

Empowering leadership through sustainability

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 09:22:03 +0000

Empowering leadership through sustainability

by Mafumane Tlhapi

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 12/09/2024 - 11:22

North-West University (NWU) alumnus Lebohang Raputsoe recently hosted a virtual leadership development workshop through her non-profit organisation, The ABC Community. This initiative aimed to inspire and connect young people, with a particular focus on empowering young women to think and act sustainably.

Lebohang says the workshop provided a platform to explore sustainability from various perspectives such as individual, household, community, national and global levels. It also encouraged networking and collaboration among attendees to ideate and implement sustainable community development projects.

Participants were divided into four focus groups, namely entrepreneurship, youth unemployment, learning and development, and philanthropy, each addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for 2030. This structure fostered meaningful discussions and heightened engagement by aligning attendees with topics about which they were passionate.

“The workshop highlighted the interconnectedness of sustainability and leadership, empowering attendees to lead with purpose and align their projects with long-term success that benefits people and the planet,” Lebohang explains.

Insights and future directions

Lebohang acknowledged the challenges faced during the workshop, including difficulty in finding interested participants and accommodating diverse schedules. Despite these hurdles, dividing attendees into focused subgroups proved effective, creating a space for ideas to flow and ensuring active participation.

Looking ahead, Lebohang envisions enhancing future workshops by incorporating actionable tools and measurable strategies and fostering partnerships with corporate sponsors to support sustainable initiatives. She also proposed creating mentorship opportunities where alumni serve as speakers and guides, sharing their experiences and holding participants accountable for their goals.

This workshop marks the beginning of a larger movement, setting a strong foundation for sustainable leadership and community development.

Lebohang Raputsoe.

NWU shines as global host for BRICS skills development and innovation challenge

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 08:40:55 +0000

NWU shines as global host for BRICS skills development and innovation challenge

by Angeline Marokoane

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 12/06/2024 - 10:40

The North-West University (NWU) made history by hosting the prestigious BRICS Skills Development and Technology Innovation Competition from 24 to 28 November 2024, at its Vanderbijlpark Campus.

This event, coordinated by the BRICS Business Council Skills Development, Applied Technology, and Innovation working groups of China and South Africa, positioned the NWU as the first institution outside China to be recognised as a BRICS Skills Development Training Base – a remarkable achievement that brought immense prestige and global recognition.

Chosen by BRICS South Africa for its outstanding reputation, the NWU’s School for Computer Science and Information Systems hosted this international gathering.

The event fostered collaboration between South African and Chinese students, researchers and industry innovators, showcasing cutting-edge projects in technology and automation, including innovations like metal 3D printers, a robotic dog and advanced automation systems.

The competition was more than just a contest – it was a cultural exchange and a bridge between nations. With over 150 delegates, including 120 from China, the event symbolised a growing partnership between BRICS nations. The opening ceremony featured distinguished speakers and a vibrant showcase of South African culture, complete with a marimba band, traditional dancers and local cuisine.

Central to this success were Prof Japie Greeff, deputy director of the School for Computer Science and Information Systems and lead expert of the BRICS Business Council Skills Development, Applied Technology and Innovation Working group, and Jacqui Muller, a lecturer in the School and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) lead.

Both played instrumental roles in building the NWU’s reputation within BRICS and their expertise and leadership were pivotal in the university’s selection as the host institution.

Jacqui was also awarded a gold and a silver medal for her entries into the Technical Innovation Challenge. Their dedication laid the groundwork for what was a transformative experience for participants.

Event highlights: Innovation and recognition

· Technology Innovation Competition: Teams presented high-level projects, judged by a panel of South African and Chinese experts.

· Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Student Challenge: Students from South Africa and China participated in a three-day challenge relating to RPA.

· Cultural exchange: From a lively South African atmosphere at the opening ceremony to a spit braai and the NWU TikTok Challenge, the event emphasised cultural immersion.

· Awards ceremony: The competition concluded with an excellence awards ceremony. NWU teams proudly secured top spots – two silver and one gold – reflecting the university’s competitive edge.

This event marked a significant milestone for the NWU, setting a precedent for future collaborations. The competition was not just about winning; it was about building connections, fostering innovation, and showcasing South Africa’s talent to the world.

With leaders like Prof Greeff and Jacqui driving this vision, the NWU’s future in global innovation looks brighter than ever.

Jaqui Muller receives her cash prizes for her silver and gold awards for the Innovation competition. From left are Prof Japie Greeff, Jacqui and Dr Lui Zhenying, Chairperson of the China Chapter of BRICS Business Council Skills Development, Applied Technology and Innovation Working Group.

Jacqui proudly shows off her silver and gold medals. With her are Prof Greeff and Dr Zhenying.

Receiving the Training Centre plaque for the NWU: from left are Prof Sibusiso Chalufu, acting deputy vice-chancellor for Vanderbijlpark Campus operations and executive director for student life, Prof Greeff, Palesa Katlehongs Makoti from BRICS SA, and Dr Zhenying.

From left are Mapule Ncanywa, chairperson of South Africa Chapter of BRICS Business Council Skills Development, Applied Technology and Innovation Working Group, Prof Estelle Taylor, director of the School of Computer Science and Information Systems, Prof Greeff and Dr Zhenying with the NWU Training Centre plaque.

Palesa hands over the certification of donation to Prof Greeff.

Prof Raubenheimer is advancing quantitative risk analysis

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 08:06:11 +0000

Prof Raubenheimer is advancing quantitative risk analysis

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 12/06/2024 - 10:06

Prof Helgard Raubenheimer, director of the Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics (CBMI) in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), delivered a presentation demonstrating his expertise to the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Science (NITheCS) community.

The title of his presentation was “Extremes in risk management – a non-parametric approach to the estimation of the quantiles of compound distributions”. In his opening remarks, Prof Helgard gave an overview of operational risk, which is defined as the risk of loss resulting from inadequate internal processes or external events. He highlighted how operational risk differs from other types of financial risks, emphasising that it has no upside potential and is primarily concerned with losses.

In the same vein, Prof Helgard examined the limitations of traditional parametric methods such as the single-loss and perturbative approximations, which depend on predicting more extreme quantiles of an underlying severity distribution. He argued that inaccurate evaluations of these quantiles may result from faulty parametric distributional assumptions.

To get around this issue, Prof Helgard presented a new non-parametric multiplier technique that is based on the single-loss and perturbative approximations as well as the extreme value theory. This novel approach estimates a less extreme lower quantile of the severity distribution and seeks to increase accuracy without making significant parametric assumptions.

The Monte Carlo simulation, by which the novel approach was assessed, validates Prof Helgard’s innovative non-parametric technique as a reliable alternative for extreme quantile estimation – especially in cases where there is little data available.

Further, Prof Raubenheimer emphasised the need for accurate extreme quantile estimation, stating that incorrect assumptions about parametric distributions can lead to inaccuracies in quantile estimation, ultimately impacting financial stability.

His presentation featured a discussion of the practical implications of using the proposed methods in operational risk management in financial institutions.

Prof Helgard concluded by highlighting the importance of not just historical data, but also expert judgement and scenario analysis in improving risk assessments.

About Prof Helgard Raubenheimer

Prof Helgard holds a PhD in Risk Analysis, which he obtained at the NWU in 2010, and his primary research interest is quantitative risk management. From 2016 to 2021 Prof Raubenheimer served as the head of the Scientific Analytical Services (SAS) laboratory. His responsibilities included organising industry training initiatives and promoting interactions with the SAS Global Academic Programme, both domestically and abroad.

Prof Raubenheimer co-authored a number of peer-reviewed publications that Risk.net, the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA), and the South African Statical Association (SASA) have praised both domestically and internationally.

Prof Helgard Raubenheimer