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Expert unpacks the hidden costs of rising electricity tariffs

By: Gofaone Motsamai

The recent approval by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) of a 12,7% electricity tariff increase for the 2025/26 financial year has raised serious concerns about its implications for household budgets, business operations and socio-political stability.

Mpho Lenoke, an economics lecturer at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU), provides expert insights into how this significant rise will impact various aspects of South African life.

Submitted on Fri, 02/07/2025 - 12:25

The AI revolution hits the NWU: Here is what you need to know

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to play an increasingly important and prominent role in our lives, the North-West University (NWU) has established the NWU AI Hub to serve as a coordinator and facilitator for all things AI at the NWU. No sphere of the university environment has been left unaffected by the AI revolution, and with the creation of the NWU AI Hub, the university is implementing the necessary structures and guidelines to navigate the pitfalls and opportunities that this groundbreaking technology holds.

Submitted on Fri, 02/07/2025 - 12:21

Trump’s pause on foreign aid upsets global health programmes

United States President Donald Trump’s pause in his country’s foreign aid is being felt on the campuses of the North-West University (NWU).

The Health Care Centre and HIV/Aids Office on the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus have received notification from Shout-it-Now, the non-governmental organisation providing youth-centred sexual reproductive health services and support, of the suspension of all their services, posing a challenge for students and employees alike.

Submitted on Fri, 02/07/2025 - 11:11

Achievement of SONA targets will depend on faster implementation of growth-friendly policies

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s wide-ranging State of the Nation Address (SONA) agenda that confirms the tangible commitment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) to faster and higher job-rich growth is positive.

In commenting on the SONA, which was delivered on 7 February, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist of the NWU Business School, says the South African economy is indeed eventually capable of even much higher economic growth than 3% if the right choices are made.

Submitted on Fri, 02/07/2025 - 09:36

Study examines herbicide in South Africa’s environment

By Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu

Researchers from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Unit of Environmental Sciences and Management conducted a study on the presence of a widely used herbicide – glyphosate – and its byproduct, AMPA, in South Africa’s water, soil and sediment.

Glyphosate, a key ingredient in many weed-control products, is essential in modern agriculture, particularly in the production of crops like maize and soybeans.

Submitted on Fri, 02/07/2025 - 08:24

Bridging language gaps on African Radio

By: Gofaone Motsamai

The rich linguistic diversity in Africa has always posed challenges and opportunities for the media, particularly for radio. A new book, Reconceptualising Multilingualism on African Radio, seeks to redefine multilingualism on African radio broadcasting by proffering epistemological ways to solve the African language problem.

Submitted on Fri, 02/07/2025 - 08:18

NWU launches new Student Information System

The North-West University (NWU) has officially launched its new Student Information System, NWU Student at Crista Galli. The initiative aligns with the NWU's broader digital strategy, streamlining the university’s business processes and providing staff and students with an effective and efficient client-centric service throughout the student academic life cycle.

The event was directed by Mr Clement Manoko, executive director of Corporate Relations and Marketing, who introduced the goals of the project and the speakers.

Submitted on Wed, 02/05/2025 - 09:00

Vanderbijlpark Campus shines at PMR.africa Awards

The Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) has been awarded the prestigious Diamond Arrow Award for the 14th consecutive time at the annual PMR.africa Awards.

Awards are presented in four categories: bronze, silver, gold and diamond, with the Diamond Arrow Award representing the highest distinction in the higher education field.

The NWU has been rated as the best higher education institution in the Sedibeng district, which includes the municipalities of Emfuleni, Lesedi and Midvaal.

Submitted on Wed, 02/05/2025 - 08:17

Ladies football team qualifies for Varsity Football tournament

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

The North-West University (NWU) Mahikeng ladies football team is starting 2025 in top form and will be competing in the Varsity Football Tournament for the first time.

Their qualification follows a strong performance at the 2024 University Sports South Africa (USSA) tournament where they finished third out of 19 teams and earned a bronze medal.

Submitted on Tue, 02/04/2025 - 08:25