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Academic excellence elevated at Optentia’s transformative writing retreat

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 08 May 2025 13:18:21 +0000

Academic excellence elevated at Optentia’s transformative writing retreat

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 05/08/2025 - 15:18

The Optentia Usiba Writing Retreat 2025, held recently at the tranquil Khaya iBhubesi Conference Centre in Parys, brought together over 76 researchers, doctoral candidates and academic staff from across South Africa and beyond for four days of transformative learning, writing and scholarly connection.

Hosted by the Optentia research unit of the North-West University (NWU), the retreat created a space for structured research progress, intellectual exchange and personal rejuvenation, set against the backdrop of the Vaal River’s peaceful landscape.

Participants were immersed in a carefully curated programme that combined expert-led workshops, individual feedback sessions and AI-supported tools for writing and research. The retreat featured an impressive panel of multidisciplinary scholars, including Prof Ian Rothmann, Prof Andries Baart, Prof Vera Roos and Dr Bruno Coimbra, among others.

Topics covered ranged from AI-assisted literature reviews and qualitative data analysis to mixed-methods research design and writing for real-world impact. Evening sessions like the Campfire Conversations and Moonlight over the Vaal dinners provided relaxed opportunities for deeper connection and reflection.

Anjonet Jordaan, project manager at Optentia, describes the event as a landmark in fostering research excellence and collaboration within the academic community.

“The success of the Optentia Usiba Writing Retreat lies not just in the productivity of our researchers, but in the sense of community, inspiration and academic generosity that filled each day. It was deeply rewarding to witness researchers – from master's-degree students to seasoned professors – growing and connecting in such a meaningful way.”

Throughout the retreat, participants reported significant progress on their research proposals, thesis chapters and journal manuscripts. Equally important, they left with a renewed sense of motivation and a deeper understanding of how to conduct and disseminate research that matters – to communities, industries and policymakers alike.

With structured coaching, tailored sessions and peer-to-peer learning, the retreat exemplified Optentia’s mission to develop pathways to humans flourishing through research.

Anjonet says feedback from attendees is abundant, revealing a unanimous sentiment that the Usiba Retreat has established a new benchmark for academic writing retreats in South Africa.

“There are potential plans to maintain this momentum with upcoming events,” she says.

Presenters and PhD students shared their experiences in this video:

The Optentia Usiba Writing Retreat was a great success.

Learners enjoy hands-on robotics and coding experience

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 05 May 2025 09:57:30 +0000

Learners enjoy hands-on robotics and coding experience

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/05/2025 - 11:57

Whatever shape the future takes, robotics and coding are likely to be part of it. Fifty primary school learners from the Mahikeng area had the opportunity to learn basic coding and robotic skills during a training programme at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus from 22 to 24 April.

The group of Grade 6 and 7 learners and two educators from DP Kgotlheng Primary School spent three days at the Science Centre of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

They explored robotics principles, programming languages, and software management systems, and were exposed to artificial intelligence (AI) applications such as drones and virtual reality technologies.

The participants also learned about problem-solving, teamwork and creativity by building functional robots. The final day’s competition was a highlight, with the winning teams awarded prizes and certificates.

Olebogeng Matsheka, the Science Centre’s project coordinator, says coding is becoming more accessible to future innovators living in under-resourced communities near the university. “We appreciate how fascinated with robotics and coding, and how willing they are to learn.”

Lerato Molebatsi, centre manager, highlighted how this initiative supports the integration into schools of techno-blended education models in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to foster sustainable development. “These skills will assist learners to consider STEM careers and increase their interest about further learning in technology.”

The programme concluded with a guided tour around the Science Centre, stopping at various science departments to motivate and inspire learners to pursue science and technology fields.

The centre regularly hosts groups of primary school learners hungry for knowledge and eager to learn what the future holds for them.

Learners from DP Kgotlheng Primary School explore robotics software.

South Africa urged to adopt sustainable model for mine rehabilitation

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 05 May 2025 06:44:32 +0000

South Africa urged to adopt sustainable model for mine rehabilitation

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/05/2025 - 08:44

Sitting on a R49 billion environmental liability tied to 6 100 legacy mines, South Africa needs to consider a dedicated rehabilitation fund supported by mandatory levies on mining companies to meet its mine rehabilitation targets.

Speaking during a public lecture hosted by the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Law, Dr Fredua Agyemang pointed to Western Australia’s model, backed by industry levies and steady investment returns, as a possible solution to unlock consistent rehabilitation funding.

Dr Agyemang, a postdoctoral fellow at the South African Research Chair Initiative (SARCHI): Cities, Law and Environmental Sustainability (CLES), said South Africa’s approach to legacy mines must change if it is to meet its rehabilitation goals. “South Africa needs R49 billion to meet its rehabilitation targets, but only 44% of that amount is currently covered by financial provision,” he said.

“In 2010, the government planned to repair approximately 2 000 dissolved organic matter mines (DOMs) by 2021 because of their significant dangers and far-reaching consequences for society and the environment. The goal was to rehabilitate 6 100 DOMs by 2038. However, as of 31 March 2021, there has been relatively limited progress.

“Apart from asbestos mines, none of the 2 322 high-risk commodity DOMs had undergone rehabilitation. Among the 1 170 identified holdings, 507 (43%) were recorded as closed in the DOM database. Of the 261 asbestos mines, only 32 (12%) had been rehabilitated since the programme’s launch in 2006–07, with the remaining 229 mines earmarked for rehabilitation by 2033. Generally, rehabilitation efforts in South Africa have shown modest progress over the past 12 years (31 March 2010 to 31 March 2021), with the average annual percentage of rehabilitated mines increasing from 1,67% in 2009 to 2,35% in 2021,’’ said Dr Agyemang.

“Progress has stalled due to funding constraints, lack of coordinated enforcement and the difficulty of identifying responsible parties for mines abandoned decades ago,” he added.

How Western Australia has tackled the problem

Dr Agyemang has done a comparative legal study focused on how South Africa and Western Australia are managing the rehabilitation of legacy mines, meaning mines abandoned before the introduction of environmental laws.

Western Australia recorded about 60 000 abandoned mines and responded by establishing the Mining Rehabilitation Fund, a levy-based system requiring operating mining companies to contribute annually to a central fund, which is managed by the government.

"The central fund currently holds AUD 291,2 million and generates AUD 3,1 million in annual interest. The principal amount (AUD 291,2 million) is allocated to the rehabilitation of operating mines for which it has been specifically assigned, while part of the interest (AUD 3,1 million) is used to fund the rehabilitation of legacy mines," Dr Agyemang said.

The Western Australian model shifts the financial responsibility to industry while generating investment returns that support ongoing rehabilitation. “This enables ongoing rehabilitation without placing the financial burden on taxpayers.”

Rehabilitation delays are a health hazard

The environmental risks posed by unrehabilitated mines were also outlined in the lecture. These risks include acid mine drainage, water and soil pollution and land instability. Communities living near these sites face exposure to contamination, disruptions to livelihoods and limited land use. Informal and unsafe mining activities have emerged in some abandoned shafts, increasing health and safety risks.

Dr Agyemang noted that South Africa’s current framework, based on the National Environmental Management Act and the National Programme for the Rehabilitation of Derelict and Ownerless Mines, lacks long-term financial stability. "Because of legal constraints, the state cannot always enforce retroactive liability on polluters," he said, adding that this weakens accountability for environmental damage.

He recommended the creation of a dedicated rehabilitation fund supported by mandatory levies on mining companies. “Strengthening enforcement and coordination is critical to accelerating rehabilitation efforts and ensuring sustainable land use.”

Without a stable source of funding, Dr Agyemang warned, the pace of rehabilitation would remain slow, and the financial burden would continue to fall on the public sector – and therefore taxpayers.

Dr Fredua Agyemang

Public lecture to share insights on AI, ethics, and the future of humanities education

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 02 May 2025 10:48:57 +0000

Public lecture to share insights on AI, ethics, and the future of humanities education

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/02/2025 - 12:48

The Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU) will host a public lecture on 8 May 2025, exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and the future of humanities education in higher education institutions.

The event, to be held at the Mmabatho Palms Hotel and streamed online, will also mark the official launch of the university’s new Centre for Teaching Excellence.

Two internationally recognised scholars will headline the lecture. Prof Hopeton S. Dunn, a communications policy expert at the University of Botswana, will speak on “AI, ethics and the challenge to higher education globally”. His academic work focuses on digital inclusion, emerging media and telecommunications policy. Prof Dunn has previously chaired Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission and served as secretary general of the International Association for Media and Communication Research.

The second speaker, Prof Toyin Falola, will present on “Humanities education for African futures: Reimagining scholarship, creativity and knowledge production in a changing world”. Prof Falola is one of Africa’s most cited historians and has held leadership roles in multiple academic associations over a five-decade career. His research and mentorship have influenced the direction of African scholarship internationally.

Prof Mpho Chaka, deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Humanities, says the lecture reflects the faculty’s commitment to academic dialogue on current global and regional developments.

“We are pleased to bring together two highly respected scholars whose work intersects with some of the most pressing debates in higher education,” says Prof Chaka. “This public lecture not only creates space for academic engagement but also affirms the university’s investment in future-focused teaching and research.”

The event is scheduled to begin at 15:00 in the Leopard Room of the Mmabatho Palms Hotel. It will also be accessible via Microsoft Teams and livestreamed on YouTube.

For more information, contact Granny Mogotsi at 018 389 2320 or granny.mogotsi@nwu.ac.za.

Prof Hopeton S. Dunn

Prof Toyin Falola

NWU and provincial government take hands for a better North West

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 02 May 2025 08:20:30 +0000

NWU and provincial government take hands for a better North West

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/02/2025 - 10:20

The North-West University (NWU) and the North West provincial government (NWP) are joining forces to address problems in the province. They signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 29 April that will enable cooperation on a host of pressing challenges.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, and Premier Lazarus Mokgosi signed the MoU covering diverse areas of mutual interest and providing a framework for mutual cooperation. This arrangement is valid for a period of five years and will be reviewed after three years to determine its success and to address any implementation challenges.

“Issues of infrastructure, energy, and information and communication technology have taken centre stage in the development of a people,” Prof Tyobeka said at the signing ceremony. “It is rare that one attends a gathering where topics such as artificial intelligence and just energy transition do not feature in one way or another.” He said these are some of the areas where cooperation is essential.

The power of common purpose

Prof Tyobeka referred to the establishment of the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine as a shining example of what is possible when two parties share a common purpose.

“I said during my inauguration as vice-chancellor that one of my key objectives was to ensure a close working relationship between the university, the provincial government and municipalities. We have a singular duty to start charity at home, and although we have carried out our purpose of being a university for the North West in many ways, it is now time for tangible delivery.”

The university has many projects and initiatives that demonstrate its commitment to working with the provincial government and a few exciting new projects are on the horizon, he said. In the pipeline are the School of Mines and Mining Engineering planned in Rustenburg and the School of Veterinary Sciences for Mahikeng.

Premier Mokgosi pointed out that after more than 30 years of democratic freedom and despite efforts by the government, a new wave of challenges has come about to which the academia can make positive and important contributions.

“This university has a central role to play in how we envision the socio-economic prospects of our province. Without the high level of scientific, technical and broad intellectual expertise that the NWU has to offer, we will not be able to achieve the objectives and goals set out in what is called our medium-term development plan, particularly in creating sustainable communities.”

He pointed to challenges such as the very high levels of poverty and unemployment, climate-change-related flooding that has damaged the infrastructure and agriculture of the province, and trade wars that negatively affect mining companies’ spending on their social and labour plans and corporate social investment initiatives.

“Given the enormity of these challenges, research and innovation are critical, particularly in the formulation of policy,” the premier said. “I am confident that collaboration in areas such as agricultural development, water and sanitation, health, artificial intelligence and sport can unlock our full potential in the growth and development of our province.”

The NWU and the NWP have agreed on the following as areas of cooperation:

o Research, science, development and innovation

o Teaching, learning and training development opportunities

o Poverty alleviation projects

o Agricultural development

o Mining and energy

o Water and sanitation

o Tourism

o Financial services

o Logistics

o Artificial intelligence

o Creative industries

o Human security (including energy and food security)

o Engineering

o Health

o Sport

o Job creation and economic development

o Organisational and institutional capacity building

o Indigenous knowledge systems

o Defence

o Science and technology

o Any other areas that the parties may identify and agree upon from time to time

According to the MoU, the NWP will identify priority projects for implementation and provide a favourable environment for cooperation with the university. For its part, the NWU will provide the relevant expertise and cooperate with the NWP to implement the projects. The offices of the vice-chancellor and the premier will be the respective coordinating agents.

The parties will establish a joint project management office with joint responsibilities. Opportunities for collaboration will be mutually agreed upon on a project-by-project basis.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, and Premier Lazarus Mokgosi during the signing of the MoU.

Service learning is a journey: Seminar encourages curriculum change through community engagement

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 10:55:10 +0000

Service learning is a journey: Seminar encourages curriculum change through community engagement

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 04/30/2025 - 12:55

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Social Sciences hosted a seminar by Nikki Green, an occupational therapist and a service-learning coordinator at Rhodes University Community Engagement.

Nikki used the session to draw from her experience implementing service-learning programmes across institutions and disciplines.

“Service-learning is more than volunteer work. It is about integrating meaningful community engagement with academic study,” said Nikki.

She shared practical approaches from her time at Rhodes University and the University of the Western Cape, focusing on how educators can embed service-learning into the curriculum. She encouraged participants to reflect on power dynamics, co-creation and justice within the teaching and learning space.

“Knowledge comes in many forms: experiential, cultural and intellectual,” she said, inviting attendees to explore their understanding of service-learning.

The seminar introduced models along a service-learning spectrum, from community-based learning to physical service-learning. Nikki explained how each model requires different levels of engagement, assessment and ethical commitment.

She described community-based learning as including emotional experiences and lectures not necessarily linked to academic outcomes. In addition, service-learning ties directly into curriculum goals with structured reflection. Physical service-learning engages with power and positionality, encouraging long-term community involvement.

“Service-learning challenges the university to reimagine its role, not as an expert, but as a co-learner in society,” Nikki noted.

Nikki highlighted the mutual benefits of service-learning. Students gain skills, apply theory to real-life issues and develop empathy. Community partners receive knowledge and technical support. Universities maintain relevance and social responsiveness.

She emphasised intentional curriculum design, starting with the identification of community priorities and building ethical and reciprocal partnerships.

“Start small. Build relationships with community partners. Align your academic outcomes with real needs,” she advised.

Participants were invited to ask questions and share their experiences. Nikki stressed the need for long-term collaboration and reflection to avoid exploitation and ensure mutual benefit.

“Wherever you are on the spectrum, there is space to grow. The journey matters,” she concluded.

Nikki Green presents strategies for embedding service learning into university curricula during a seminar hosted by the School of Social Sciences.

Deepening global ties through expanded German collaboration

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 06:37:22 +0000

Deepening global ties through expanded German collaboration

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 04/30/2025 - 08:37

Opportunities for international research experience are one of the many benefits of the newly expanded research and teaching partnership between the North-West University (NWU) and Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz (HSZG) University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

The two universities, who have had an engineering collaboration for over two decades, have deepened their partnership following a three-week visit by HSZG’s Prof Frank Worlitz to the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus in April this year.

The visit was part of the NWU’s drive to advance its global academic agenda and strengthen ties with high-calibre partners such as HSZG.

This collaboration began in 2004 between the NWU’s Prof George van Schoor of the Faculty of Engineering and Prof Worlitz, and focuses on engineering research, academic exchange and postgraduate training.

Enabling investment in human capital

Prof van Schoor says the relationship has produced measurable results over the years. “We have seen this partnership move from joint research to real investment in human capital. Several students who participated in the exchange, now hold prominent academic and industry positions.”

During the South African visit, the NWU and HSZG colleagues discussed curriculum development and research priorities. A key focus was energy-based fault detection in large-scale industrial systems, a field that holds industrial relevance in terms of system reliability and energy efficiency.

Prof Worlitz’s engagements included workshops with teaching staff in the Mechatronics programme on topics ranging from pedagogical approaches to assessment methods.

The sessions also covered the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in engineering education. “We are exploring how staff and students could be educated in the responsible use of AI,” says Prof van Schoor.

A session was also held with current and prospective postgraduate students to outline the available support structures for international research exchanges.

International research experience for students

“Our goal is to prepare students not only with technical knowledge, but with international research experience,” says Prof van Schoor.

As part of future planning, Prof Worlitz has proposed a new international degree programme at HSZG in automation and robotics. The programme would feature modules on AI applications and specialisations in fields such as building automation and systems management.

The partnership has also contributed to the design of a new HSZG module, “Introduction to AI applications for engineers”, based on discussions held during the visit.

The two universities plan to expand their joint initiatives through new research projects, mobility funding proposals and academic exchange programmes.

“We don’t see this as a short-term academic exercise,” says Prof van Schoor. “We are building a long-term model for shared knowledge creation.”

From left are Prof Kenny Uren, Prof Andre Grobler, Prof Frank Worlitz, Dr Henri Neser and Piet van Huyssteen in front of the Mechatronics Laboratory.

No increase in VAT is the right decision

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:59:59 +0000

No increase in VAT is the right decision BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/24/2025 - 15:59

The decision by the National Treasury not to increase value-added tax (VAT) on 1 May is the right one in the current circumstances.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says after an intensive debate a rise in VAT was eventually seen to be unnecessary, and economically and politically it also failed to command wide support.

“An unchanged VAT rate brings welcome relief and certainty to business and consumers, and to that extent is confidence-building. However, this does not mean that, fiscally, South Africa is out of the woods. Future risks to fiscal policy remain.”

According to Prof Parsons, successfully managing these risks now depends on a credible fiscal strategy to balance the books being embodied in the third budget to be presented to Parliament shortly by the National Treasury. “Nevertheless, the advantages of the delayed Budget and the controversy that surrounded it are three-fold. Better options available were identified to balance the Budget on both its spending and tax sides, future Budgets will be subjected to a more intensive consultative process, and the urgent need for much higher economic growth was emphasised again.”

Prof Parsons points out that it is now even more necessary, especially given current global developments, for South Africa to speedily accelerate key structural reforms to expand the economy. “Fiscal sustainability needs to be reinforced by stronger economic growth that enlarges the tax base and hence boosts tax revenues,” he says.

North-West University medical school named the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:06:25 +0000

North-West University medical school named the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 04/22/2025 - 15:06

The North-West University (NWU) is proud to announce that its soon-to-be-established medical school will be honorifically named the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

This decision was taken in consultation with – and received the approval of – the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust.

The official naming ceremony took place on Tuesday, 22 April, at the Capital on the Park Hotel in Sandton. The name was unveiled by Dr Anna Mokgokong, Chancellor of the NWU, Bert Sorgdrager, Chairperson of the NWU Council, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the NWU and Dr Mamphela Ramphele, Chairperson of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust.

The illustrious ceremony was further graced by the presence of the Honourable Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, Premier of the North West Province, Lazarus Mokgosi, as well as various bishops of the Anglican Church.

Dr Ramphele reminded those in attendance of Archbishop Tutu’s early wish to become a doctor before receiving a higher calling, stating that it is fitting that “Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s name will now live on in every graduate of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.”

She also spoke of his unwavering commitment to the spirit of ubuntu.

“It is the obligation of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine to live up to the values of ubuntu, and it is the responsibility of its students to meet the high standards that Desmond Tutu would have approved of.”

Premier Mokgosi reflected on Archbishop Tutu’s role as a moral compass during the liberation struggle. “His teachings must continue to galvanise and guide us to be solution-driven citizens.”

The NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine will be the 11th medical school in South Africa. The project is a collaborative effort between the NWU, the North West Department of Health, and private sector stakeholders. One of its main aims is to address the severe shortage of healthcare practitioners in the province, while providing a base for the growth of the country’s medical expertise.

NWU Chairperson of Council, Bert Sorgdrager, said the decision to name the medical school in honour of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate was made not only to recognise Archbishop Tutu’s lifelong contributions to the country, but also to create an enduring connection between his legacy and the values, character, and graduate attributes the university seeks to instil in future graduates of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

“Desmond Tutu espoused core values that guided his life and work. Central to his philosophy was the belief in every individual's intrinsic worth and dignity, irrespective of race, creed, or background. His commitment to human rights and equality was deeply rooted in the principle of ubuntu, which emphasises interconnectedness, compassion, and the idea that ‘I am because we are’. Desmond Tutu championed non-violence as a means of achieving social and political change, drawing inspiration from his faith. His approach to conflict resolution and reconciliation was grounded in the belief that forgiveness and understanding could overcome deep-seated divisions.”

Dr Mokgokong highlighted South Africa’s current doctor-to-patient ratio, which stands at approximately 0.31 doctors per 1,000 people, and a nurse-to-patient ratio of about 4.59 nurses per 1,000. She noted that these, among other urgent healthcare challenges, are what the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine aims to address.

“We are not merely building a school of bricks and mortar, we are laying the foundation for something much greater and more enduring. Today we open doors that will never close. Doors of opportunity, healing, compassion, and transformation. That is also why we have chosen the name of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He was not only a man of faith and moral courage, but also a fierce advocate for justice, equality, and human dignity. He understood, better than most, that the essence of humanity lies in our capacity to care, to heal, and to uplift one another. His life’s work taught us that no barrier is too great, no injustice too entrenched, and no dream too distant to be realised through perseverance and unity,” she said.

Prof Tyobeka added that the future of medicine is interconnected, and that the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine will play a vital role in shaping it.

“At the foundation of this medical school stand three unwavering pillars: undergraduate and postgraduate training, research, and engaged scholarship. Through world-class education via the MBChB and MMed degrees, we will nurture the next generation of medical professionals. Through rigorous research, we will push the boundaries of medical science and discovery. Through engaged scholarship, we will ensure that our knowledge does not remain confined within academic walls, but actively uplifts communities and strengthens health systems in the North West province and across South Africa. These pillars are not merely conceptual; they are commitments that will define our impact. Now that the NWU has a medical school, we stand at the threshold of exciting global opportunities. Medical education thrives on collaboration across borders, and we intend to establish international partnerships with leading medical schools and research institutions.”

The first intake of students for the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine is scheduled for 2028.

African economies should adapt to global challenges amid US-China tariff wars

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 06:29:35 +0000

African economies should adapt to global challenges amid US-China tariff wars

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/17/2025 - 08:29

In a timely Pitso webinar hosted on Friday, 11 April, the North-West University (NWU) Business School featured distinguished panellists who discussed the vulnerable status of African economies caught in the crossfire of escalating international tariff wars. As countries on the continent compete for both economic sovereignty and competitive advantage, the discussion focused on how the economic power struggle between the US and China is changing trade landscapes throughout Africa.

The unpredictable nature of the present tariff environment was highlighted by Khaya Sithole, columnist and director of Regulatory Affairs at the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP). He cited the ongoing trade disputes between the US and China, where taxes on some imports have risen to a surprising 125%. Sithole said, "The first thing we are all going to check after this conversation is what the latest tariff rates are," stressing the unpredictable commercial landscape that African countries must navigate while formulating their economic policies.

Claude de Baissac, founder of Eunomix, emphasised the significance of geopolitical concerns and urged participants to get ready for a future marked by more uncertainty. De Baissac delivered a thoughtful evaluation, hinting at scenarios where the US might aggressively assert economic dominance. "We are no longer in a world where this is not going to happen," he warned, emphasising the need for strategic resilience in South Africa’s trade policies.

In turn, Stavros Nicolaou, group senior executive for Strategic Trade at the Aspen Pharma Group, addressed the critical importance of trade alignment for South Africa's economic health. He promoted a pragmatic approach to international commerce, stating: "A country like South Africa, with economic challenges, cannot afford to be partisan or parochial to any particular geography or region in the world. South Africa needs to fully understand trade patterns and it must be open to trading with everyone." Nicolaou's argument stressed the need to keep a variety of trade connections rather than aligning solely with one of the two economic superpowers.

Agricultural sector insights came from Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, who proposed stronger ties with the United States. He said, "The best path for South Africa is to engage with the US on a free trade agreement," suggesting that in order to obtain favourable conditions, both parties would have to make concessions.

De Baissac provided critique of contemporary tariff diplomacy, particularly regarding the present US administration's approach. He claimed that, while reciprocal tariffs have traditionally been the foundation of international trade, US President Donald Trump is "abusing the term by calling it political tariffs" when they serve as instruments of economic coercion, intended to pressure international economic entities into accommodating American demands.

The perspectives of these experts illustrate a careful balancing of tasks that is necessary as African economies continue to strive for both the protection of domestic industries and integration into international markets. African nations need to develop smart and flexible strategies to withstand these economic imbalances caused by great powers competing with each other. At the same time, they should advance their own trade interests and sovereignty in a world economy that is becoming increasingly unpredictable.