“After the revised zero growth (0,0%) in the first quarter of 2024, the better news is that real gross domestic product (GDP) in South Africa grew by a modest 0,4% in the second quarter of 2024.”

In commenting on the second-quarter GDP figures that Statistics SA released on 3 September, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the NWU Business School, says it could represent a turning point in South Africa’s business cycle, as the growth performance has clearly been too low for too long.

It is springtime, and with all the pleasantness associated with the warmer weather and sunnier days comes a major challenge for many: allergies from the masses of pollen that flowers, trees and grass release and that are spread by the wind over long distances.

Pollen allergies can have serious health implications for people who suffer from conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. The symptoms of pollen allergies may include nasal congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, watering and itchy or irritated eyes, among other things.

The North-West University (NWU), along with other important organisations, recently convened for a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Workshop as part of the Ubuntu Community Initiative.

The workshop, held at the Sebokeng Clinic, was facilitated by Stan Hendricks, a well-known coach and mentor.

The workshop was organised with a multi-sector approach and revolved around the theme "We are the solution". The aim was to address the prevalence of GBV and equip participants with the knowledge and tools required to combat this societal scourge.

North-West University (NWU) student and bodybuilder Rusmore Verah has been selected to represent South Africa at the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) World Men’s Bodybuilding Championships that will take place from 23 to 27 September 2024 on Kish Island, Iran.

Rushmore's selection comes after a series of strong performances in various bodybuilding competitions. He recently clinched first place and the overall title in the Men's Physique Over 178 cm category, solidifying his place as one of South Africa's top bodybuilding talents.

Douwleen Conradie, a first-year pharmacy student at the North-West University (NWU) is making the most of her talents and has her eye firmly set on making her mark in the pharmaceutical profession.,

She has been serving as student exchange officer on the South African Pharmaceutical Students Federation’s (SAPSF’s) Presidential Committee this year.

On Wednesday, 28 August 2024, the Population and Health research entity at the North-West University (NWU) hosted a public lecture by Dr Jackson Sebola-Samanyanga, senior lecturer in the Department of Town and Regional Planning at the University of Pretoria. The event was held at the Mahikeng Campus and attracted a diverse audience. The aim was to unpack the land question, which continues to be passionately debated in South Africa.

The North-West University (NWU) will be hosting the thrilling Prestige Schools Sevens Rugby tournament at the Fanie du Toit sportsgrounds in Potchefstroom on 6 and 7 September, where the  under-17 teams from 16 top rugby schools will compete for the champion spot.

Young man, you have got some wheels on you! Bradley Nkoana from the North-West University (NWU) once again burnt up the tarmac on the international stage when he won bronze in the 100 m event at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru on Thursday, 29 August.

By Lerato Tshweu and Phenyo Mokgothu

When a species becomes extinct in the wild, the loss is permanent. For Africa, a serious loss is the extinction of the Tanzanian Kihansi spray toad (Nectophrynoides asperginis) due to habitat change and infectious disease.

This should serve as a wakeup call for policy makers to prioritise and implement conservation measures for endangered species.