Human Interest

Prof Bismark Tyobeka: Africa needs to make use of the global sports stage

The IRB Rugby World Cup (RWC) kicks off on Friday, 8 September when the host nation, France, takes on three-time champions New Zealand, as these sides clash in Stade de France, Saint-Denis. As always, the world will be watching. The previous tournament – which South Africa won – was held in Japan in 2019 and was the most-watched rugby event in the history of the game, with more than 857 million people tuning in from around the globe.

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Netball Eagles show there is no substitute for “heart”

Skills can be learned, tactics can be taught, fitness can be drilled, but there is no substitute for “heart”. The North-West University (NWU) Eagles’ Varsity Netball team has this heart not in spades, but in enough buckets to fill a truck.

On Monday, 11 September, coach Elsunet du Plessis’s team will square off against UJ in the semi-final of the Varsity Cup competition, having finished second on the overall log after undefeated UP-Tuks.

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Better growth figures show resilience, but volatility remains

The better-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 0,6% in the second quarter of 2023 is welcome news, as it has extended its gains for a second consecutive time.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says this demonstrates a noteworthy degree of resilience in the economy. This has mainly been the outcome of more moderate Eskom blackouts in June compared with April and May, together with other mitigating factors that helped to generate better growth figures.

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Oatlhotse Ditlhobolo: A remarkable journey to stardom

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

Transitioning from the familiar world of high school football to the demanding and competitive arena of Varsity Football can be an intimidating prospect. However, for Oatlhotse Ditlhobolo, affectionately known as Foden, this journey has been a testament to the determination and the pursuit of dreams.

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Prof LJ Grobler: An engineer with purpose

Prof LJ Grobler, a professor in mechanical engineering at the North-West University (NWU), is a man with determination. His CV and numerous engineering accomplishments reveal his dynamism.

He has come a long way – from growing up in the beautiful farmlands of Ermelo in Mpumalanga – to sitting in international boardrooms and sharing his expertise to make an impact in the field of renewable energy.

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Noord-Vaal Cross Country competition broadens its horizons

On Saturday 26 August, talented athletes from 40 secondary and six primary schools participated in the Noord-Vaal Cross Country competition hosted by the North-West University's (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus and Hoërskool DR Malan in Meyerton.

The event brought together talented athletes from Vanderbijlpark, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Meyerton and Potchefstroom.

Taking place along the picturesque banks of the Vaal River, participants immersed themselves in the stunning surroundings as they navigated the cross-country course.

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