By Prof Joseph Sekhampu

Come 26 November, more than 900 000 Grade 12 candidates will be celebrating the conclusion of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

The exams commenced on 21 October with the computer applications technology (CAT) practical paper, one of the 112 examination papers that have been set across the country. This follows months of preparation supported by provincial education departments and the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

October is Transport Month in South Africa, but there is not much to celebrate as the country’s economy is paying the price for decades of underinvestment and neglect in its transport system.

Failing roads, crumbling railways and inefficient ports are costing the country billions of rands and undermining its global competitiveness, according to transport analyst Dr Olebogeng Baikgaki of the North-West University (NWU).

The North-West University (NWU) Business School proudly announces that it will host the 2026 International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development (ICGSD) from 8 to 12 March 2026 at the Protea Hotel, Stellenbosch, Cape Town.

Themed “Reimagining innovation pathways for sustainability: research, practice and policy”, the 2026 ICGSD will bring together researchers, policymakers, innovators and thought leaders from across Africa and the world to engage in transformative dialogue on advancing sustainable development.

The Centre for Health Professions Education (CHPE) at the North-West University (NWU) has earned prestigious recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) after being selected as a winner in the WHO AFRO Network of Partner Institutions (NPI) for Health Systems.

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

An online writing competition hosted by the Debating Union at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus is keeping the conversation about women’s empowerment alive long after Women’s Month has ended.

The competition, themed “Accelerate action: Rights, equality, empowerment for all women and girls”, invited students to reflect on the challenges facing women and girls globally and propose solutions. The goal was to spark dialogue that could lead to practical action on campus and beyond.

By Gofaone Motsamai

Thanks to the interest and mentorship of her lecturers, North-West University (NWU) alumnus Seipelo Kgosiejang is playing a key role today in advancing South Africa’s higher education agenda on the continent and globally.

In her current role in international relations at the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Seipelo is responsible for developing partnerships with African and Middle Eastern countries and coordinating South Africa’s participation in major international platforms.

• The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 projects that South Africa will generate more electricity from non–fossil-fuel sources than from fossil fuels.

• South Africa can reclaim its leadership position as Africa’s foremost nuclear power nation.

• The IRP recognises the urgency with which we must act in addressing climate change.

When the stars came out, running shoes were laced and goals were set. On your marks, get set and go! The inaugural North-West University (NWU) Berts Bricks Athletics Club (BB AC) Night Race recently transformed the Potchefstroom Campus into a glowing celebration of fitness, fun and community spirit.

More than 1 400 athletes gathered at the NWU Amphitheatre to take part in either the 10 km race or 5 km Fun Run, marking a spectacular comeback for the once-popular community event.

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

When aircraft take off from South Africa’s major airports, they do more than connect people with destinations, they also leave behind a growing environmental footprint. The complex relationship between aviation, tourism and climate change is the focus of a recent book chapter by Kgomotso Mereotlhe, a lecturer at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus in the School of Tourism Management.