In an exciting first the Research and Postgraduate Support Department, in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning, hosted a combined Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and the Postgraduate Students Showcase (PSS). This dual event, held on 3 October 2024 at the scenic Roots Lifestyle Café, spotlighted the innovative research being conducted by honours-degree, master’s-degree and doctoral-degree students across various faculties.

Investing in transport infrastructure is critical to South Africa’s post-pandemic economic recovery. This is according to Dr Alexander Samuels from the North-West University’s (NWU) Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. By modernising highways, ports, railways and airports, the country can enhance supply chain efficiency, attract foreign investment, and stimulate job creation, all while positioning itself more competitively in global markets.

October is Transport Month in South Africa. Alexander Samuels, from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) and lecturer in the Department of Transport Economics and Logistics Management, explains why studying transport infrastructure is a worthwhile choice for prospective students, especially at the NWU.

As South Africa celebrates Transport Month this October, Dr Olebogeng Baikgaki of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West University highlights the crucial role of infrastructure in economic development. Efficient transport systems are essential to stimulate growth, reduce inequality and promote sustainable development.

Indigenous games, songs and riddles brought new meaning to the phrase “team spirit” when the Student Life department on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus held its second team-building session.

“Games are the glue that can connect people,” said Khumo Feni from the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre, and one of the facilitators.

Student Life staff members put this principle into action throughout the day by taking part in games and other team-building activities aimed at encouraging them to understand and rely on each other.

With matric finals just days away, North-West University (NWU) academic in the Faculty of Education Dr Judicial Sebatana says they must focus on the present and not on past shortcomings.

Sharing his insights on the readiness of matric learners for their final exams which start on 21 October 2024, Dr Sebatana points out that the final exams account for 75% of their mark, whereas past performance only counts for 25%. “It’s important for learners to remember that it’s not too late.”

Prof Francois van der Westhuizen, deputy dean for research and innovation of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), has been awarded the prestigious Hofmeyr-Van Schaik Gold Medal by the South African Genetics Society (SAGS).

This is in recognition of his contributions over three decades to advancing research, diagnosis, and awareness of rare genetic diseases in South African populations.

The society presents this award biennially to one academic following a nomination and review process.

"If your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon," according to British playwright and screenwriter Tom Stoppard. This sentiment is echoed by Thabiso Moss, an alumnus of the North-West University (NWU) and a senior journalist at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is on the rise in South Africa and the North-West University (NWU) is responding by raising awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyles.

The prevalence of this condition has increased in recent years due to diets rich in processed food, sugary drinks, a lack of exercise and obesity.

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is among the top 10 leading causes of mortality globally, with South Africa witnessing a significant increase in cases, from 4,5% in 2010 to 12,7% in 2019.

“Tito Mboweni was a formidable leader, with deep economic insights that greatly shaped South Africa’s post-apartheid policies and structures, such as the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), labour law and Nedlac.”

Reacting to the death of former Finance Minister and SARB Governor Tito Mboweni, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says he was saddened to hear of his unexpected passing over the weekend and sends his condolences to his family.