As South Africa marks Transport Month in October, it's an opportune time to reflect on the profound shifts in the logistics sector that have redefined how goods are transported and delivered. The pandemic-induced changes in consumer behaviour have accelerated the rise of last-mile delivery, transforming it into a critical pillar of modern logistics. What once relied on large-scale, long-haul freight systems has now given way to more personalised last-mile solutions that deliver items directly to consumers’ doorsteps.

The subject group Social Work at the North-West University (NWU) is preparing to host the highly anticipated Student Social Work Conference 2024. Scheduled to take place on 25 October 2024, the conference will carry the theme "Strengthening Foundations for Social Work's Critical Challenges".

The conference will take place from 08:00 until 16:00 on all three campuses and is linked to the BSWP471 module. It is a key part of the assessment and is expected to draw around 80 delegates, including partners, supervisors, stakeholders and students.

By Marize Language

When one enters the NWU Art Gallery, you are immediately dragged into an adventure of colour and texture. Right next to the foyer of the gallery the magical work of Dr Colette Lotz unfolds before your eyes. Lotz is a local artist and academic in the Graphic Design subject group at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU), and her work is truly extraordinary.

Take a moment to consider these figures. South Africa’s transport sector contributes about 8% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). We have a 750 000 km road network that carries 80% of freight and 70% of passenger traffic. We have one of the largest rail systems in Africa with approximately 30 400 kilometres of track. Air transport is facilitated by 90 licensed airports and maritime transport carries 96% of the country’s exports by volume.

• The Programme for Forensic Accountancy at the North-West University (NWU) has the biggest group of forensic experts in South Africa who work in the programme full-time.

• The Programme for Forensic Accountancy at the NWU is one of a kind.

• The programme is vital in curbing fraud and corruption.

The School of Social Sciences and the School of Philosophy at the North-West University (NWU), represented by lecturers Kagiso Phake, Germinah Motshegwa and Amantle Mothelesi, participated in a community engagement event organised by the Gaabo Motho Foundation in Zeerust.

The event aimed to promote the NWU, highlighting the academic programmes offered by the two schools.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) unwavering commitment to community engagement is deeply rooted in its initiatives of empowering the communities it serves using research to address relevant needs.

The NWU’s Sustainability and Community Impact division recently held its annual Youth Learning Festival (YLF) – welcoming about 150 young people from the Stilfontein and Fochville areas to the Potchefstroom Campus.

• Increasing the air access capacity to South Africa remains a critical aspect of the tourism agenda.

• The tourism industry faces transport challenges such as public transport coverage in rural and remote areas, public transport security concerns and limited railway services.

• The Kruger National Park Airport is an excellent example of how to spread tourists to more remote areas.

The School of Communication at the North-West University (NWU) hosted an in-person and hybrid Communication Industry Summit on Wednesday, 2 October for students enrolled on all three campuses.

During the summit, industry and academia came together to explore the theme “From Clicks to Connection” to drive the future of communication. Students gained invaluable insight into the world of work and learned about the current careers and challenges in communication while interacting with industry experts and leading recruitment agencies.

The North-West University (NWU) is pleased to announce its upcoming Community Engagement Stakeholders Forum meetings, scheduled to take place across its three campuses in Mahikeng, Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark.