Is a political heavyweight stepping back into the boxing ring? Helen Zille, the current Chairperson of the Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance (DA), former leader of the DA, former Mayor of Cape Town and Premier of the Western Cape, is considering running for Mayor of Johannesburg.

Zille is known as a formidable political pugilist, and the revelation that she is considering a run to take charge of South Africa’s largest city and its undisputed economic hub, has caused a stir of some magnitude.

In the damp, grassy slopes of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, an unassuming amphibian has leapt into the scientific spotlight. Named Breviceps batrachophiliorum – Latin for ‘frog-loving people’ – this newly described species of rain frog is a triumph of taxonomy and a compelling example of the intersection of citizen science and academic rigour.

When Mongezi Prince Mbamba walked across the graduation stage at the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) on 21 May 2025, it was not just a degree he carried – it was the weight of years of sacrifice, resilience and unyielding faith.

Students from the North-West University (NWU) recently collaborated with their counterparts from the University of Lincoln (UoL) in the United Kingdom for the Arcademia Global Game Jam, an intense 48-hour competition to create playable arcade games. The "Echoes Across the Arcade" theme urged participants to consider how the past influences the present through gameplay.

Transformation in the South African higher education sector is essential to ensure inclusivity, equity, and relevance in our society. As the country grapples with pressing socio-economic issues, it is vital that universities reflect the diversity of their communities and address their needs. This is an extremely important task, one in which expertise and experience must play a pivotal role.

Prof Sibusiso Chalufu, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University’s Vanderbijlpark Campus, fits this bill and then some.

The Horizon Residence, specifically allocated to postgraduate students on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus, recently hosted a memorable Alumni Business Venture and Graduation event that brought together a dynamic mix of graduates, alumni and aspiring entrepreneurs for an evening of inspiration, celebration and meaningful connections.

By Gofaone Motsamai and Keaoleboga Motshabi

Dreams met decision-makers, and ambitions found direction. What began as an ordinary Monday at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU), quickly turned into a turning point for many students as they stepped into a world of opportunity at the annual Careers Fair on 20 May 2025.

In an ongoing effort by the North-West University (NWU) to improve graduate employability, the Career Centre recently hosted a career fair at the Tsebonokeng Hall on the Vanderbijlpark Campus, fostering a strong connection between students and potential employers.

Keaoleboga Motshabi

The North-West University (NWU) Eagles Aerobics team has qualified for the national championships of the South African Sport Aerobics Fitness and Hip-hop Federation (SASAFF). This comes after their recent showing at the provincial championships held at the Kagiso Community Centre in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, on 10 and 11 May 2025.

The widely anticipated decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to resume its interest rate-easing cycle by reducing rates by another 25 basis points (bps) is the right one.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist of the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says the MPC decision of 29 May is welcome recognition of the changed economic circumstances that have made this possible.