While debates about the quality of teacher education intensify, the North-West University (NWU) is exploring solutions, including mixed reality, that will ensure that well-prepared and effective teachers enter the country’s classrooms.

The recent findings of the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), indicating that 81% of South Africa’s Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning, have reignited the debate about the quality of pre-service teacher preparedness in the education sector.

Many studies have found a strong correlation between learners’ discipline levels and academic performance, with the latter improving as discipline levels improve. However, what is the role that parents play in disciplining their children?

Research professor Howard Chitimira and postdoctoral research fellow Dr Elfas Torerai, both from the North-West University's (NWU’s) Faculty of Law, presented papers at the 18th International Association of Consumer Law (IACL) Conference that took place from 19 to 21 July in Hamburg, Germany.

Their session focused on the African perspectives on financial consumer protection.

Prof Chitimira’s paper was titled “The role of financial education in the promotion of protection for poor consumers of digital financial services in Zimbabwe”.

The North-West University (NWU) ballroom and Latin dance team twirled their way to the top at the annual University Sports South Africa (USSA) dance tournament that took place at Rhodes University from 1 to 5 July. All nine provinces were represented by twelve affiliated institutions at the tournament.

The team competed in five major sections during the tournament, including the Open Formation Act, Closed and Open Ballroom/Latin Section, Team Match, Team Formation, and the American Show Dance.

In a thrilling first-round match of the Varsity Football tournament, the North-West University (NWU) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) showcased their prowess on the pitch, ultimately sharing the spoils in an intense 0-0 draw.

The highly anticipated clash took place on Thursday, 27 July at the NWU Mahikeng stadium, where both teams were determined to kick off their campaign with a victory.

Jabulani Timothy Ncube, a North-West University (NWU) alumnus, and current student Obriel Takunda Maposa are gearing up for an exciting journey to Chengdu, China.

They will form part of the South African media team for the 32nd edition of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Summer World University Games.

The event, set to take place from 28 July to 8 August 2023, will see more than 8 000 athletes from more than 150 countries competing in 18 different sporting codes.

On 20 July 2023, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus hosted the "Facing Race Week" event to promote meaningful conversations about racial equality and understanding.

Professor Robert Balfour, the deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning, was the driving force behind this transformative week at the university. His speech sought to challenge prevalent viewpoints, bridge divides, and ignite a collective commitment to constructing a more inclusive and equitable society.

By Sandile Mahlangu

The North-West University (NWU) annually celebrates Facing Race Week during the third week of July.

Facing Race Week is usually celebrated to help create a learning opportunity and promote awareness about the diversity of the university and how all individuals can co-exist with one another. The Potchefstroom Campus students participated by hosting a three-day campaign from 17 to 19 July during which they informed, educated, and engaged with one another.

By Nolwazi Xulu

Mapule Sechogo, a former North-West University student and first-time entrant in the National Teachers Awards recently defied the odds when she won the Excellence in Primary School Teaching category at the awards ceremony held at the Naledi Local Education Office of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.

“It was my first time participating in the prestigious National Teachers Awards, and to my delight, I was announced top performer in this category,” she said.

The Nedbank Capital Expenditure Project Listing, which shows a dramatic decline in fixed investment activity in the first half of 2023, flashes a strong red light about future investment and growth trends in the South African economy.

This is as persistent power outages, rising interest rates and cost pressures weigh on profitability and erode business confidence.