He is back and South Africa’s economic welfare – like that of most other global economies – is not on his list of priorities. On Monday, 20 January, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States of America (USA) and wasted no time in making the same waves that were hallmarks of his first presidency.

He signed orders to remove the USA from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris climate agreement. Trump has never shied away from his rhetoric of America first, second and third.

The time for inquiries and investigations is over and action is needed. This is according to Dr Lindikaya Myeki, a senior lecturer in Agricultural Economics and Extension at the North-West University (NWU).

This is in response to the recent release of the Competition Commission of South Africa’s (CCSA’s) Fresh Produce Market Inquiry report and the broader challenges facing South Africa’s fresh produce market.

An innovative African Hut Mushroom Dome, a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to growing mushrooms, has earned North-West University (NWU) alumnus Dr Sydwell Sihlangu the title of Grassroots Innovator of the Year 2024 at the Grassroots Innovation Awards.

An entrepreneur and founder of Eco-Agro Enterprise Pty. Ltd., Dr Sihlangu obtained a master’s degree in crop science at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.

The North-West University's (NWU’s) subject group Social Work’s annual conference once again highlighted the achievements of fourth-year social work students, according to their block practicum experiences.

The event brought together students, academics, South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) members and practice supervisors for a day of presentations, learning and inspiration.

The NWU is implementing a new residence management system that will significantly improve efficiency within the university’s residences. The StarRez system is specifically designed for student housing and has numerous applications for residence management, placements, student interactions and reporting, among others.

South Africans might be surprised to discover that some of the country’s language challenges are similar to those faced in multilingual countries in the northern hemisphere. This is according to Orefile Malebo, an education technologist at the North-West University (NWU), who recently made a presentation at the Online Educa Berlin conference in Germany.

Held from 27 to 29 November 2024, the event brought together education leaders from across the globe to discuss the role of technology in education.

By:Optentia research unit

A groundbreaking initiative aimed at closing the digital divide in schools across Africa is making significant strides. The project, named Tswala! – a Setswana word meaning "closing" – seeks to bridge the gap between students, teachers and the world by integrating digital tools into classrooms. Its goal is to transform education by providing students and teachers with the technology needed to engage in modern, interactive learning.

By Oscar Mosiane and Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu

Dr Khido Ramadie, a wellness counsellor at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, has dedicated her life to promoting education and wellness.

Born in Lichtenburg in the North West Province, she started her journey as a teacher after obtaining a diploma in teaching in 1994. Fuelled by her love for education, she obtained a BA in psychology while employed, ultimately leading to her position in wellness counselling.

The North-West University (NWU), in partnership with the Water Research Commission (WRC) and Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, hosted a Water Symposium at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus on 4 to 5 December 2024.

The symposium resulted in the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between the NWU and the WRC to address regional water challenges. The agreement is for five years.

Farming is often regarded as a noble profession that demands a unique set of qualities, including a profound appreciation for the land and animals and a steadfast commitment to hard work. Thamsanqa Ramosotho, an alumnus of the North-West University (NWU), embodies these attributes and has the qualifications to match.

He holds a diploma in agriculture and animal sciences and a BScHons in animal sciences from the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus, as well as a qualification in new venture creation from the NWU Business School.