The North-West University (NWU) has become the first South African university to adopt an official artificial intelligence (AI) policy. The NWU Council approved the policy at its most recent meeting, further cementing the university’s position as a leader in artificial intelligence in the higher education sector.

The broad economic and fiscal strategies outlined in the 2025 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) are realistic and credible given South Africa’s challenging economic context.

In commenting on the 2025 MTBPS that Finance Minister Enoch Godwanga presented to Parliament on 12 November, Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, believes it represents a visible turning point in advancing the priorities of a stable, growing, competitive and inclusive economy. 

For more than two decades, the African Nutrition Leadership Programme (ANLP) of the North-West University (NWU) has been shaping the future of nutrition leadership on the continent. Since its first programme in 2002, this flagship 10-day residential initiative, hosted annually at the NWU, has developed over 500 professionals from more than 40 African countries. This year alone this flagship programme will reach close to 50 professionals from 10 African countries.

• STEM education needs to be put in the spotlight for South Africa to revive its ailing education sector. 
• The education system is not producing underachievers; it is manufacturing exclusion. 
• Teaching must be restored to its former prestige, which is a respected, aspirational career rather than a reluctant fallback. 
• The state must confront its own complacency.

By Prof Linda du Plessis