The unexpected decision by President Donald Trump to suspend the reciprocal United States (US) tariffs on non-retaliatory countries for 90 days pending further negotiations has prompted a strong rebound in financial markets and a modification of previous gloomy economic forecasts.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says this decision now creates a welcome window of opportunity for many countries, including South Africa, to negotiate with the US for lower tariffs.

In the ever-evolving landscape of academia, certain institutions stand out not only for their age or size, but also for their unyielding commitment to curiosity and innovation. North-West University (NWU) in South Africa exemplifies this spirit, particularly through its Focus Area for Pure and Applied Analytics (PAA) research entity. This group is not only pushing the boundaries of mathematical and statistical sciences, but also redefining how these disciplines intersect with real-world applications.

In a noteworthy seminar hosted by the School of Social Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) on Friday, 4 April, Dr Pedro Mzileni, a senior lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the University of Zululand, delivered a captivating case study on the “Coloniality of academic freedom” in South Africa’s higher-education sector.

Her name is called. It is Tuesday, 8 April, just past 16:00 in the afternoon. This is her moment: the culmination of three years of dedication. It is graduation day. She takes a breath and, with a radiant smile, walks across the auditorium stage on the Potchefstroom Campus of North-West University (NWU). Her eyes find a familiar face seated at the centre of the stage, beaming with pride. She walks towards him and bends down as Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the NWU, officially caps his daughter.

The scale of the further wide-ranging United States (US) unilateral tariff hikes announced by President Donald Trump will not only drive a huge wedge into the world’s multilateral trading system but is also bad news for the South African economy. 

The North-West University (NWU) Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics (CBMI) welcomed industry giants ABSA, SAS and FirstRand for insightful engagement with honours- and master’s-degree students. This engagement reflects the centre’s strong industry ties and its commitment to providing students with valuable insight into the professional world.

ABSA engagement focused on two professional development themes

The North-West University (NWU) Eagles Young Guns (YGs) are looking to defend their Varsity Cup title after securing a crucial home semi-final. The Eagles will take on the University of Cape Town (UCT) YGs at the Fanie Du Toit Sportsgrounds on Monday 7 April at 16:00.

By Gofaone Motsamai

A robot powered by artificial intelligence (AI) has made its debut as the newest library assistant at the North-West University (NWU).

The AI-powered assistant, currently in its testing phase at the Ferdinand Postma Library at the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus, is designed to help students navigate the library, making it easier and quicker for them to find what they need. This is a major step forward in modernising the NWU’s campus libraries and enhancing student experience.

In a moment that left both her and her colleagues in awe, Suanne de Bruyn, a North-West University (NWU) alumnus and dedicated social worker at Lerato Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC), was recently honoured with the esteemed Hope Bearer Award. This award celebrates her tireless commitment to improving the lives of children and families, especially those dealing with trauma and adversity.

They may have exited the 2025 Varsity Cup, but the North-West University (NWU) Eagles did so in spectacular fashion, making a lasting impression on the competition. In their last match of the tournament, at the well-lit Fanie Du Toit Sports Ground on Monday, 31 March, the Eagles destroyed Central University of Technology (CUT) with a stunning 117-19 victory, setting a new record.

A season filled with determination