Despite having some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with a combined population of well over 1 billion people, Africa still trades predominantly with the rest of the world rather than with itself. Some estimates place intra-African trade at only about 15%. This is a strikingly low figure compared to other regions, such as Europe and Asia, which boast high levels of intra-regional trade supported by strong regional value chains.
The MENstruation Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to ending period poverty and the stigma surrounding menstruation, recently launched a campus-wide initiative by installing sanitary pad dispensary machines. The initiative, which forms part of the Students on the Go programme and is funded by the Clicks Helping Hands Trust, is guided by the belief that no girl or woman should miss school, work, sport, or life opportunities because of her period. It goes beyond symbolism.
A spirit of celebration and achievement recently filled the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus as community entrepreneurs gathered to receive their certificates for completing the Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) programme.
The training sessions, offered through a partnership between the NWU and the Vaal United Business Forum (VUBF), equipped participants with practical business skills during sessions.
The overall welcome impact of the 2026 Budget, introduced in Parliament on 25 February, on the economy will be positive and confidence-building. The markets will also price in what is a “good news” Budget in favourable fiscal circumstances.
Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has displayed a credible pair of hands in playing well the better economic cards he now holds to address the inevitable competing demands on South Africa’s still limited public finances.
By Adv. Mpho Justice Khoza
The NWU Eagles demonstrated their strength and attacking prowess by dismantling Emeris 63 – 15 at the Fanie du Toit Sportsgrounds on Monday, 23 February. This victory saw the Eagles climb to the top of the table with ten points, level with second place FNB-UP Tuks after match day two of the 2026 varsity Cup season.
During registration and orientation at the start of the 2026 academic year, first-year students at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus received meals through a collaboration between the Students’ Campus Council (SCC) and private sector donors.
Together, the SCC and bakery companies Albany and Blue Ribbon made sure that first-year students did not go hungry.
A renewed push to translate indigenous knowledge (IK) into practical rural development will take centre stage when stakeholders gather for the Second Smart Village conference in Nyandeni in the Eastern Cape.
Being held under the theme “Towards an indigenous knowledge-based smart village model: A multi-stakeholder planning dialogue for sustainable rural development”, the three-day engagement from 24 to 26 March 2026 moves beyond conceptual discussions and towards implementation and community participation.
The North-West University (NWU) is pleased to introduce Dr Joe Molete as the new deputy vice-chancellor (DVC) designate for Student Life, Transformation, People and Culture (SLTPC), with responsibility for the NWU Mahikeng Campus.
As a seasoned academic leader with more than two decades of executive experience spanning academia, research, industry and international institutions, Dr Molete brings to the NWU a rich blend of scientific training, innovation leadership and a deeply personal commitment to people development.
A journey shaped by crucibles
Promises were made, but will the chequebook come to the party? During his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that more than a quarter of South African children under the age of five are stunted, increasing their risk of disease and affecting their ability to learn and grow. He further stated that in 2026, the state will embark on a mission to end child stunting by 2030 and tackle malnutrition among young children.