Prof Marita Heyns, a researcher at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Optentia research unit on the Vanderbijlpark Campus, recently delivered her inaugural professorial lecture titled "Trust @work".

The hybrid event brought together academics, family members, and friends from various parts of the globe.

Prof Heyns selected one of her research interests – how trust manifests within organisational settings – as the subject of her inaugural address.

By Menziwa Msibi

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Population Studies and Demography subject group recently hosted a workshop for postgraduate students on its Mahikeng Campus.

The workshop was aimed at creating a space for students to get to know each other and talk about their research projects, and to teach them more about population data analysis using statistical software.

A recent study conducted by Dr Joan Dikobe from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Nursing Science sheds light on the lived experiences of nurses as they cared for patients diagnosed with Covid-19.

As frontline healthcare workers, they are fundamental to the healthcare system, and play a crucial role in ensuring the continuity and quality of care to the patient.

Dr Dikobe says the study aimed to examine the physical, psychological, and social experiences of nurses as they provided care to Covid-19 patients in the North West province.

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

Prof Ireen Choga from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences delivered her inaugural lecture on 24 August 2023.

Her lecture was titled “Exports and export Diversification: key drivers and trends in Sub-Saharan Africa”.

She says this was not only an academic turning point, but also a deeply personal milestone for her.

By Vukosi Mathale

On Monday, 28 August, the Language Directorate of the North-West University (NWU) will be launching its annual Language Awareness Week across all three of the university’s campuses.

The theme of the week is “Multilingualism: The pathway to academic excellence through diverse resources”.

Good economic news is that the consumer price index (CPI) (headline inflation) for July has again shown a welcome declining tendency, reaching 4,7% from 5,4% in June.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU), says this is not only a two-year low for the CPI but is also much better than market expectations.

“Core inflation further moderated to a ten-month low of 4,7% from 5,0% in June. The omens for the inflation outlook in South Africa look promising.”

An inaugural lecture is regarded as a significant milestone in the life and career of an academic. It is a chance for new professorial colleagues to directly showcase their innovative research.

Professor Charlene du Toit-Brits delivered her inaugural lecture titled Are we there yet? A sense of ownership: Empowering Self-Directed Students in Higher Education.

The word of welcome was expressed by Professor Erika Serfontein, acting school director of the School of Professional Studies in Education (SPSE).

North-West University (NWU) alumnus and dedicated educator Tumelo Malebelela clinched the prestigious Teacher's Award in the "Excellence in Secondary Teaching" category during the North West Provincial Teaching Awards ceremony on 18 August 2023.

"I am deeply honoured to stand among the accomplished winners of the Teaching Awards. The flood of congratulatory messages I have received is truly overwhelming. I never imagined that one day I would represent our entire province on a national platform," says Tumelo, and educator at ZM Seatlholo Secondary School in Lotlhakane, Mahikeng.

The North-West University (NWU) and PSG Wealth recently joined forces to present a guest lecture series to promote financial literacy and educate the youth on the significance of saving.

Recognising the importance of financial education among young adults, PSG Wealth identified an opportunity to inspire the upcoming generation of South African citizens to value saving.

The initiative took shape when Izelle Coetzee, NWU alumnus and certified financial planner® at PSG Wealth, reached out to Dr Danelle Fourie, a lecturer at the School of Management Sciences.