The principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) – and internationally renowned nuclear energy expert – Prof Bismark Tyobeka, has lauded the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s (DMRE) proposed recommendation to Cabinet that three possible ownership models to acquire and fund more nuclear projects in SA under the Nuclear New Build Programme (NNBP) be considered.

Whether they are historically true or fictional, texts are not only informative, but are drivers of ideological change for their target audience, compelling their readers to adopt new behaviours such as morals and good ethical conduct.

Shedding light on these texts at the North-West University (NWU) is Prof Risimati Hobyane, a senior lecturer in Greek and New Testament studies from the School of Ancient Languages and Text Studies at the Faculty of Theology.

Gone are the days of the throwaway economy. Environmental scientists and pioneers like Prof Linda Godfrey of the North-West University (NWU) are leading the charge towards a thriving circular economy.

With over 20 years dedicated to studying the waste sector, Prof Godfrey has observed the unsustainability of the traditional linear economy model, characterised by extraction, production, consumption, and disposal. She argues that this model has severe environmental and health impacts and advocates a shift to a circular economy.

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.

She is renowned for her legal acumen and dedication to her profession. She has a list of accolades and accomplishments as long as the horizon, but after 22 years of dedicated service, Prof Christa Rautenbach is stepping down from her current role as editor-in-chief of the Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal (PELJ). It is known as the Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad (PER) in Afrikaans.

The North-West University (NWU) has received eight nominations for this year’s prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards. It is another feather in the University’s cap in its pursuit of excellence without boundaries.

The NSTF-South 32 Awards, also known as the ‘Science Oscars’, is the largest, most comprehensive and one of the most coveted national awards.  It recognises outstanding contributions in science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation by individuals, teams and organisations.

The NWU is proud of this year’s nominees, who include:

A multi-authored book edited by renowned economist Prof Raymond Parsons, from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, aims to encourage and empower voters to make informed choices in this critical election year.

“There is no going back, and the options have dwindled. In the grand scheme of things, South Africa is no longer at the proverbial crossroads, but rather at a T-junction,” says Prof Parsons.

He edited and co-authored the book Tipping Point ─ turmoil or reform? South Africa’s political economy after 2024, which has been published by Jacana Media.

A continued downward trajectory is the only possible forecast for South Africa’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) if political appointments in SOEs continue to take precedence over expertise.

This is according to Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU). Prof Tyobeka says this is not only an inescapable truth, but a gross dereliction of duty by those in key positions, which serves to hamper economic growth to the detriment of the country’s struggling citizens.

In the face of a daunting combination of economic and fiscal imperatives, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana in his Budget Speech on 21 February gave a realistic assessment of the socioeconomic and fiscal challenges confronting South Africa, including a “high sovereign credit risk”.

This is the view of Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School.

There is still much “unfinished business” on the national agenda, including a more coherent overall economic plan for much higher job-rich inclusive growth.

In commenting on the 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA), Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, points out that, as expected, prior to the 2024 elections the SONA was inevitably largely a party-political statement and also took stock of the government’s achievements over the decades.