Press Release

University community mourns the passing of Justice Yvonne Mokgoro

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 10 May 2024 09:13:25 +0000

University community mourns the passing of Justice Yvonne Mokgoro BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:13

The North-West University (NWU) has noted with sadness the passing of Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, former Constitutional Judge of South Africa, on Thursday, 9 May 2024.

Among her various qualifications, Justice Yvonne Mokgoro obtained her B Juris degree (1982) and Bachelor of Laws (1984) from the University of North West (now the North-West University).

The NWU honoured her with an Alumni Excellence Award at the inaugural NWU Alumni Excellence Awards ceremony in 2013. She was an exemplary alumna of the NWU whose outstanding work has been recognised and celebrated by many institutions in South Africa and abroad.

Justice Mokgoro held membership of the International Women's Association (Washington DC) and the International Association of Women Judges, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, and the South African Women Lawyers Association.

“Law has been her passion and her endurance to ensure that all South Africans have access to fair treatment in our courts, made her even more special. She raised the NWU flag very high. Our current students and other alumni can learn from her determination and achievements,” says Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU.

We join her family, former colleagues, and friends in mourning her passing, and celebrating her contributions to South Africa and her people.

May her soul rest in peace.

Issued by:

NWU Corporate Relations and Marketing

NWU Chartered Accountancy students excel in 2024 ITC

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 06:57:12 +0000

NWU Chartered Accountancy students excel in 2024 ITC BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 04/12/2024 - 08:57

The North-West University (NWU) has once again demonstrated its commitment to producing top-tier chartered accountancy professionals, as was evidenced by the outstanding results of its students in the recent South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia (ICAN) Initial Test of Competence (ITC) exams.

In the latest ITC exam results, the NWU's candidates showcased exceptional performance. Impressively, 97% of the NWU's candidates passed the exam, marking the institution as one of the top performers among the 18 participating institutions in the country. The national average pass rate was 67%. In addition, the NWU's ICAN candidates achieved a 100% pass rate.

The excellence of the NWU's students was further highlighted by their representation in the SAICA top 10, with two candidates achieving this prestigious recognition. Notably, these two candidates passed with distinction, showcasing their exceptional abilities. Overall, the NWU produced five candidates who passed with distinction – a remarkable achievement considering the rigorous standards of the examination. More than 2 500 candidates wrote the exam nationally, of whom only 24 passed with distinction. Moreover, the NWU's success extends to ICAN, with three of its candidates ranking among the top 5, all achieving distinctions.

Prof Heleen Janse van Vuuren, the director of the School of Accounting Sciences at the NWU's Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, attributes these outstanding results to the institution's commitment to academic excellence and the dedication of its lecturers. She emphasises the importance of chartered accountants in driving economic growth and addressing the financial challenges faced by South Africa.

Janse van Vuuren underscores the NWU's role in contributing to a better future for all South Africans through its focus on producing highly skilled professionals who can make meaningful contributions to the economy.

In summary, the NWU's continued success in producing top-performing Chartered Accountancy graduates reflects its dedication to excellence in education and its contribution to the development of South Africa's economic landscape.

Botswana should be praised for its conservation efforts, not chastised by Germany

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 10:19:43 +0000

Botswana should be praised for its conservation efforts, not chastised by Germany

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/04/2024 - 12:19

- Africa must take ownership of its own wildlife.

- Botswana has proven how effective it is at sustainable wildlife conservation.

- Hunting is an effective tool to manage wildlife sustainably.

Germany’s proposed ban on the import of hunting trophies over poaching concerns has drawn the ire of Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi. Botswana is home to the world’s largest elephant population, which has grown to more than 130 000.

Marauding elephant herds wreak havoc on local crops, properties and are endangering the lives of the country’s citizens, and President Masisi says that hunting is one way to stem the destructive tide.

However, Germany's environment ministry has called for stricter rules on the import of hunting trophies, to which President Masisi vowed to send 20 000 elephants to Germany. Botswana has already given 8 000 elephants to Angola and has promised about 500 to Mozambique.

Prof Peet van der Merwe from the research unit for Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) at the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa, says that the continent’s conservation should be left in local hands.

“I completely agree with President Masisi’s stance on how Botswana wants to manage wildlife, especially elephants. Africa must take ownership of its own wildlife. I think it is time that Germany and other countries stop telling us how to manage our wildlife. It is our wildlife, and we know the best way to do it,” Van der Merwe explained.

“Botswana has a very good conservation management system and model, and they have proved over the years how effectively and sustainably they can manage their wildlife. Hunting is one of the tools you can use to manage wildlife sustainably. There are many poverty-stricken communities in Botswana. If they can’t plant or harvest crops due to elephant populations destroying their crops, what are they to do? How will they survive? Hunting generates a lot of income for local, impoverished communities. That money can be used to uplift those communities and there can be investments in those communities,” he added.

“Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, to name but a few, all have very good conservation management strategies. We have healthy wildlife populations and we have proven that we can manage them sustainably.”

VC calls for introduction of meritocratic approach to appointment of executives and board members in SOEs

MARELIZE SANTANA — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 12:55:28 +0000

VC calls for introduction of meritocratic approach to appointment of executives and board members in SOEs

by Bertie Jacobs

MARELIZE SANTANA Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:55

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.

“The breakdown of corporate governance in our state-owned enterprises and the way we appoint board members in this country is something I find deeply worrying. It is a conversation that should be in the public spotlight and a matter that we should address urgently,” says Prof Tyobeka.

“In my view, in order to qualify to sit on a board and make a meaningful contribution, one must either be a peer-recognised expert in a particular field or must have served as an executive in a company. The fact that anyone with political connections or some sort of influential network can simply be appointed to the boards of giant enterprises such as Eskom, Denel, Transnet, CSIR, SAA, SABC and others without meeting one or both of the above requirements is precisely why some of these SOEs have continued to be a relentless drain on the fiscus, bailout after bailout.”

“This brings me to the issue of cadre deployment. Whatever you want to call it – cadre deployment or the strategic placement of individuals who are loyal and sympathetic to the cause of a ruling party, which I believe happens all over the world – it has to be based on merit. They must be qualified and experienced individuals with a track record of success and accountability. That will instil confidence in the system. I am not opposed to such appointments in principle, provided they are based on merit.”

According to the South African government’s official website, there are about 123 SOEs in the country, operating at national, provincial and local levels. They are crucial to the development of South Africa, they play an instrumental role in ensuring success in a wide range of areas, and are responsible for an unimaginable number of dependants.

“Where are the qualifications of the people entrusted with this enormous responsibility and are they being held accountable for their actions or inactions? If we see more failures than fruitful outcomes, does it not mean that our current system is broken and in need of repair. I don’t think so, I know so. SOEs should benefit all South Africans, not exploit them,” concludes Prof Tyobeka.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor.

Largest frog in more than 100 years discovered in Africa

BELINDA BANTHAM — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 07:35:36 +0000

Largest frog in more than 100 years discovered in Africa

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Sat, 03/23/2024 - 09:35

A new species of African bullfrog has been discovered in northeastern Namibia, southern Angola, southwestern Zambia and northwestern Botswana.

It is the largest frog species discovered in more than 100 years.

The largest specimen found is 210 millimetres long and weighs 1 kilogram.

Once there were three, now there are four. Professor Louis du Preez, from the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa, and his team of researchers, have discovered a new species of African bullfrog, called Pyxicephalus beytelli. This is only the fourth species of bullfrog ever identified in Southern Africa.

The species occurs in parts of northeastern Namibia, southern Angola, southwestern Zambia and northwestern Botswana, and is named after the late Ben Beytell, Director of Parks and Wildlife Management in Namibia, who was instrumental in the proclamation of the Khaudum National Park in Namibia, where the species occurs.

The new species is similar to all other species of bullfrogs in its external structure, internal anatomy and general behaviour. However, two of the main distinguishing features of Pyxicephalus beytelli are its bright yellow and lime green colouring, blue spots and a white vertebral line running down its body. Then there are its prominent and somewhat ferocious teeth, which are sloped backwards (recurved), and two large bony protrusions on the lower jaw.

“Their teeth really stand out, and we are excited to learn more about their feeding habits. I can promise you that this frog has a big bite,” says Du Preez. Bullfrogs have a varied diet that includes mice, small birds, snakes, insects and even other frogs.

Du Preez and a former student, Marleen Byron, first encountered the bullfrog in the Okavango 12 years ago, and immediately realised “there was something different about this frog”. In late 2021, Du Preez was commissioned by the Namibian Nature Foundation to conduct a survey of amphibians and reptiles in Khaudum National Park. “When I saw the bullfrog again, I knew it was the one I had seen a decade earlier.”

A thorough and painstaking process then began, in which the specimens collected were carefully detailed and compared with existing known species.

Du Preez attributes the belated discovery of Pyxicephalus beytelli to its habitat. “Getting to some of the places where Pyxicephalus beytelli can be found is extremely difficult. These places are remote and you have to cross rough terrain to get there. Also, people simply didn’t realise that it was a different species.”

From a conservation perspective, the identification of new species is of paramount importance to ensure their protection.

“Frogs evolved about 350 million years ago and have diversified from there. Today they are the most threatened group of vertebrates in the world. A big reason for this is the destruction of their natural habitat. The more we know about a species, such as its location and range, the better we can protect it. It is only when we have caused the extinction of a species that we realise what we have lost,” says Du Preez. “There is still a lot to learn about this new species, and the fun will be in finding out.”

Africa unites to bring nuclear nutrition expertise to the continent

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 11:44:17 +0000

Africa unites to bring nuclear nutrition expertise to the continent

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 03/22/2024 - 13:44

Micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in Africa and are one of the major factors associated with growth retardation, poor immune function, and child mortality.

A new master’s degree programme in Nutrition with Nuclear Techniques will help to address malnutrition in Africa.

Role players across the continent are working together to ensure better nutrition for all Africans.

According to the Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition – Statistics and Trends 2023 report, Africa’s malnutrition figures are staggering. More than 280 million people on the continent, or about 20% of the population, are undernourished. More worryingly, this figure shows an increase of almost 60 million people since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is a massive problem, and part of the answer lies in the miniscule.

Nuclear technology plays a crucial role in the field of nutrition, especially through diagnostic techniques, and now these techniques will be used more rigorously than ever before to help stem the tide of malnutrition.

Role players from across Africa, in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), are undertaking a four-year project to build capacity to use stable isotope techniques to improve the micronutrient status of children in Africa. Stable isotopes are non-radioactive atoms of the same element with the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons, and can serve as effective, safe and precise markers to pinpoint areas affecting malnutrition.

The resulting programme is an MSc (master’s degree) in Nutrition with Nuclear Techniques. The IAEA aims to roll out this curriculum in Africa, tailored by each specific African university in its own format, but also standardised to some extent.

The programme is already in practice, with the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa playing the lead host for Anglophone (English-speaking) students, and Morocco playing host for Francophone (French-speaking) students. Ghana, Senegal, and Zambia will be the next countries to implement the programme, with a proposed 37 other African countries to follow.

Prof Linda Malan, from the NWU’s Centre for Excellence in Nutrition, who helped develop the curriculum for the MSc in Nutrition with Nuclear Techniques, explains the dilemma facing Africa: “Micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in Africa and are some of the major factors associated with growth retardation, morbidity, mortality, slow psychomotor development, and poor immune function in children. Micronutrient deficiencies also affect women of reproductive age, with significant adverse effects on the nutritional status and health of their offspring in early life, as well as limiting their development and human potential. For example, 40% of all women of reproductive age in Africa suffer from anaemia, about half of which is due to iron deficiency. Children’s diets in Africa are predominantly plant based, which often provide insufficient or poorly absorbable micronutrients, such as iron and zinc.”

She also notes that plant-based foods have naturally occurring compounds (anti-nutrients) that interfere with and limit micronutrient absorption. “It is therefore important to design diets that enhance micronutrient absorption from foods. However, there is limited technical expertise and

laboratory capacity in Africa to assess the bioavailability of micronutrients from foods and how this relates to micronutrient status in vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant and lactating women.”

This new Master of Science – or MSc – programme will help build capacity by designing the necessary curricula, followed by enrolling and training students in the next phase of a two-year academic programme. The curriculum will cover a range of stable isotope techniques, including those for assessing iron, zinc and vitamin A absorption.

“The project will help participating African member states build capacity to design and evaluate interventions to address micronutrient deficiencies for better health and economic development,” says Prof Malan.

With individual African universities, United Nations agencies such as the IAEA and the World Health Organisation, and African governments – including ministries of health, education, agriculture and others – working together, the plague of malnutrition ravaging the continent can be systematically eradicated.

Prof Linda Malan

Taylor Swift to South Africa’s rescue?

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 06:50:16 +0000

Taylor Swift to South Africa’s rescue?

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 03/20/2024 - 08:50

• Taylor Swift is a cultural phenomenon, spelling a massive cash influx in consumer spending for her concert destinations.

• Cities and provinces in South Africa can benefit hugely by exploiting the spending potential from concerts by international musicians.

• Local governments should look to take the initiative and work with the private sector to fuel the tourism industry, especially in tourist off-seasons.

Taylor Swift is a cultural phenomenon, and her influence and popularity show no signs of abating. The behemoth that is her Eras Tour is already the most profitable in history, having thus far generated more than 1 billion US dollars in ticket sales. That is in excess of R18 900 000 000. Her Eras Tour concerts in the United States alone – where she performed at 53 shows in 20 different cities – generated more than 4,5 billion US dollars in consumer spending.

South Africa, are you listening?

According to Professor Waldo Kruger, an economist at the North-West University (NWU), the country’s ailing economy calls for some out-of-the-box remedies.

“Growth forecasts for the South African economy are quite muted and one wonders if Taylor Swift might not be the solution to our problem,” he says, with his tongue only half in his cheek.

“Her Eras Tour will be in Singapore soon and this has raised economic growth forecasts there from 2,5% to 2,9% for the first three months of the year. The economics of the Eras Tour are massive. Spending on tickets is just the beginning. Many people travel to the concerts, stay over and eat out. They also spend money on souvenirs and costumes.”

The latter items are especially important. There is normally a ratio of about 1-to-3 with regard to money spent on a concert ticket and additional spending on items such as souvenirs, hotels, food, transportation and other merchandise. With Taylor Swift fans, that ratio increases to 1-to-10 and more. Local economies in the US were boosted by hundreds of millions of dollars in a single weekend.

“The macroeconomic impact obviously depends on different things. If the spending is shifted from other concerts, holidays or celebrations, the impact is smaller. If it is people's savings, the impact on the economy is greater. Economists also talk about the leakages from the stream of spending. If more of the extra spending stays in the country, the impact is greater. And then the multiplier effect plays a role. Every hotel and Airbnb room that is full as a result of such a concert in a city is a little extra income for someone that they can spend again. If the extra spending can be multiplied several times over, the impact is so much greater,” Krugell explains.

There are, however, other factors to take into consideration.

“The downside is of course that where the capacity is limited, performances by such a major artist can cause inflation. Last year, so many international fans of Beyoncé descended on Stockholm that the demand for hotel accommodation caused prices to rise sharply.”

A more intimate partnership between local event organisers and the local government could see international drawcards like Swift and others frequent our shores more often. For this a joint vision is needed. Krugell has little doubt that it is a mutually beneficial and attractive proposition:

“I think concerts on the scale of a Taylor Swift one can definitely be a boost to local economies. Take Cape Town, for example. If the basis is provided for the private sector to host such events, then all stand to benefit. Arrangements can be made to help ensure safety, there is an international airport and an already-established tourism sector. If a concert of such magnitude is arranged for off-peak tourism periods, it can serve to fill up restaurants and accommodation venues. This will also have a spillover effect to other sectors of the economy. A concert in Cape Town might not move the country’s GDP needle, but it sure would be a big boon for the local economy,” says Krugell. “If anything, Taylor Swift fans will be very happy!”

This should sound like music to all the role players’ ears, and it is an opportunity not to be wasted.

Prestige and splendour as NWU launches its 20-year anniversary

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 07:55:33 +0000

Prestige and splendour as NWU launches its 20-year anniversary

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 03/15/2024 - 09:55

It was an event for the books as dignitaries and guests joined the North-West University (NWU) in celebrating two decades of greatness. The university not only reflected on the many milestones and achievements since its establishment, but also gave guests a glimpse of its plans for the future.

“The resolute leadership demonstrated by all NWU leaders over the years ensured our successful navigation through periods of uncertainty and turbulence, particularly during the early years of the NWU,” said Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor.

“We have emerged as a forward-looking institution with a holistic educational approach, renowned for preparing its graduates for a rapidly changing global environment.”

He thanked the various stakeholders who made it possible for the university’s graduates to be successful. “The fruits of our labour are evident, as is demonstrated by our prominent position in global rankings, our standing among the top 4,4% of global universities, and our graduates who continue to lead with excellence in various sectors of society.”

Steadfast in the pursuit of academic excellence and social justice

He pointed out that decisions by the Council and management are consistently guided by principles of stability, success and sustainability. “This has been evident since the approval of our previous 2015–2025 strategy and remains unchanged in our newly approved strategy for 2024 and beyond.”

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to building an integrated institution dedicated to transformative initiatives and equitable resource allocation across our campuses. Our pursuit of academic excellence and social justice remains unwavering.”

New frontiers and opportunities shine on the horizon

Giving guests a glimpse into the future, Prof Tyobeka singled out various projects, such as the positioning of the NWU Business School to continue providing training to remarkable leaders in various industries, both local and international. Other projects include working with the North West provincial government in a programme to increase the capacity of municipal and provincial governments. This will result in the placement of 100 graduates in the 22 North West municipalities, and prioritising efforts for funding postgraduate and missing-middle students.

Some of the exciting future ventures include the launch of the NWU Enterprises entity to increase income streams, the establishment of both a School of Mines and Mining, and the NWU Medical School. The NWU Medical School has already received ministerial support. It is envisaged that the first intake will be in 2028 with 50 students initially, which will gradually be increased to more than a hundred.

The NWU has also accelerated its efforts on internationalisation and strategic partnerships. This has led to relationships being forged with several international institutions as the university continues to pursue many other institutions in aspiring to increase its presence on the global stage.

Bert Sorgdrager, chairperson of the NWU Council, said the NWU’s journey since the merger has been exciting and eventful as it charted its course in the South African higher-education landscape. “Transitioning from a federal to a unitary model, the NWU continued its success story of academic excellence, world-class research and innovation, superior teaching and learning, and a determined commitment to sustainable, impactful community engagement.”

He emphasised that the NWU will continue to create a great future for all its stakeholders and make a difference in the lives of people – as it has done during the past two decades.

As part of his keynote address, Adv Johan Kruger, former Council chairperson, gave an insightful and concise overview of the NWU’s two decades of existence. “The NWU can be proud of what it has achieved in a relatively short time. When we ask ourselves the question: Have the objectives of the merger 20 years ago been achieved? The facts speak for themselves. The answer is a resounding yes. The NWU has shown impressive and positive growth that includes spreading its wings across the globe, and strengthening international relationships.”

He said the aim was to create a university where staff and students demographically looked different from apartheid institutions. It also had to create more opportunities through a range of qualifications and improve its research output. “Problems that are crucial to institutions of higher learning will still occur from time to time, but we can say that the ship is stable, the course is set, and the captain and his crew are firmly in control.”

This official launch at the Feather Hill venue in Potchefstroom on 14 March was the first in a series of events that will continue throughout 2024.

Dignitaries and esteemed guests included Dr Anna Mokgokong, the NWU’s chancellor, Bert Sorgdrager, chairperson of the NWU Council, all current and former Council members, officials and representatives of all spheres of government, and members of NWU structures such as the Senate, Institutional Forum, NWU Convocation Exco and the Board of Donors. Student leaders included Yikumba Andreas, NWU SRC president, and current and former student leaders.

The song, The Journey, was specifically written and composed to celebrate the NWU’s 20-years of existence. Listen to the song here.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, and his wife, Ngeniswa, join guests as they toast the NWU during the launch of its 20-year anniversary.

Rassie Erasmus to receive an honorary doctorate from the North-West University

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 07:10:08 +0000

Rassie Erasmus to receive an honorary doctorate from the North-West University

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 03/08/2024 - 09:10

Rugby World Cup-winning coach and former Director of Rugby of SA Rugby, Johan “Rassie” Erasmus, is to be awarded an honorary doctorate by the North-West University (NWU). The NWU Council approved the decision during their ordinary meeting on Thursday, 16 November 2023. The request for the awarding of the degree Philosophiae Doctor (Honoris Causa), in the discipline Coaching Science, was made by the NWU’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

The honorary doctorate will be bestowed on Erasmus in recognition of his innovative and exceptional management of the Springboks during their victorious 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup campaigns, his significant standing in the international rugby coaching arena, his strong drive and focus on diversity and inclusion, and his commitment to social responsibility.

In addition to his visionary leadership, he has also shown an unwavering commitment to the Sport Transformation Charter – which is included in the Strategic Plan of the Department of Sport and Recreation – that has resulted in a systematic change in the development of talent and skills across the national rugby spectrum.

Erasmus has shown himself to be a nation builder of whom the country can be proud.

“Rassie embodies the principles of resilience, determination and teamwork that we at the North-West University hold dear in our educational mission. His contributions to South Africa, both as a rugby strategist and as a nation builder, serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, dedication and visionary leadership come together. This esteemed recognition is not only well deserved, but also a testament to the remarkable contributions and exceptional impact Rassie has made in the field of sport and innovative sports management,” said Bert Sorgdrager, Council chairperson.

“His commitment to inclusivity and transformation in sport has not only revitalised rugby but has served as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and unity in a nation with a complex history. Under his guidance, the Springboks not only achieved rugby greatness, but also became a unifying force, bringing together people of all backgrounds and beliefs. His emphasis on teamwork, discipline and dedication has resonated far beyond the sports arena, offering life lessons that inspire not only aspiring athletes, but also individuals in their everyday lives. He has meaningfully used his sphere of influence to advocate for social change, fostering an environment in which diversity and inclusivity are celebrated, and differences are seen as strengths rather than weaknesses,” Sorgdrager concluded.

Rassie has on 7 March 2024, with much appreciation accepted the honour bestowed upon him. The ceremony is due to take place on the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU during the coming months. Full details will be communicated.

Building better futures: the importance of the 2024 school governing body elections

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 06:41:04 +0000

Building better futures: the importance of the 2024 school governing body elections BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 03/07/2024 - 08:41

Prof Leenta Grobler, deputy director of the Business School at the North-West University, explains why it is imperative that the 2024 school governing body elections must be characterised by informed decisions.

“As we approach the 2024 school governing body (SGB) elections in South Africa, it is essential to understand the profound impact these bodies have on the operation and culture of our schools, and ultimately on the quality of the education our children receive. Reflecting on my journey as a parent and my professional insights as the deputy director at the NWU Business School, I have come to recognise the critical role of informed participation in these elections.

In past years, my engagement with SGB elections was minimal, driven more by familiar names than an understanding of what the roles entailed. Like many parents, I was ensnared by misconceptions that SGB positions were sought for personal gain rather than the altruistic goal of enhancing educational standards. However, my perspective has shifted significantly. No longer do I see these elections as mere formalities; instead, they represent a vital opportunity for impactful governance in our schools.

The reality is that SGBs are instrumental in shaping the educational environment – from curriculum alignment and school policies to infrastructure management and staff appointments. These responsibilities go far beyond the trivialities that rumours and misconceptions often suggest. The SGB is the platform where concerns such as curriculum issues, bullying and the respect between teachers and learners can be addressed effectively, ensuring the best interests of the school and its learners are always a priority.

This year, more than ever, it is crucial that we move beyond personal acquaintances when casting our votes. The pending Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill will introduce changes that demand SGB members who are knowledgeable and capable of navigating new governance landscapes. Our votes must support candidates who possess the skills to implement good governance practices, akin to those outlined in the King IV report, irrespective of whether such standards are mandated.

The centralising tendencies of the BELA Bill necessitate the election of SGB members who are adept at legal work, policy analysis and advocacy. The emphasis should be on electing individuals who can balance national legislation requirements with the unique needs of their school communities, ensuring that every child's right to a quality education is upheld.

Drawing parallels between effective corporate governance and school governance reveals the importance of principles such as ethics, accountability and stakeholder engagement. Applying these principles within SGBs can significantly enhance the decision-making process, ensuring that schools operate not only with transparency but with a clear focus on delivering educational excellence.

Awareness and engagement are critical in ensuring a high turnout and an informed voting process. As we navigate these elections, it is paramount that we utilise every available platform to educate and mobilise our communities. The NWU Business School stands ready to support, equip and train elected individuals, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in school governance.

My vision for the future of school governance in South Africa is one where engagement extends beyond the SGB elections. It envisions a community where every parent, educator and

stakeholder takes an active role in the continuous improvement of our educational institutions. This collective effort can transform our schools into environments that not only confront challenges but also foster innovation and excellence.

As we edge closer to the 2024 SGB elections, let us recognise the power of our participation. This is not merely an opportunity to vote, but a call to contribute to the foundational aspects of our education system. Let us choose candidates who embody the principles of effective governance, those who are prepared to advocate for the best interests of our children and their future.

The forthcoming SGB elections are a crucial juncture in our journey towards educational excellence. By participating actively and making informed choices, we can ensure that our schools are led by individuals committed to fostering an environment where every learner can thrive. Let us turn out in record numbers, fully informed and fully committed, to shape the education landscape in South Africa positively.”

Prof Leenta Grobler