The better-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 0,6% in the second quarter of 2023 is welcome news, as it has extended its gains for a second consecutive time.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says this demonstrates a noteworthy degree of resilience in the economy. This has mainly been the outcome of more moderate Eskom blackouts in June compared with April and May, together with other mitigating factors that helped to generate better growth figures.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Social Sciences will be hosting the Planetary Utilisation of Sustainability Strategies (PLUS) Southern African Regional Conference from 11 to 13 September 2023 at its Mahikeng Campus.

The theme of the conference is “Land, landscape, local knowledge, and the pursuit of sustainable ontologies”.

PLUS is a network concerned with aspects of sustainability and is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service. It consists of nine universities in Southern Africa – including the NWU – Latin America and Germany.

Prof Zandri Dickason-Koekemoer, from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) TRADE research focus area was recently inaugurated as full professor.

Her inaugural lecture was titled "Cracking the Code: Investor Behaviour and Financial Decision-Making".

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

Transitioning from the familiar world of high school football to the demanding and competitive arena of Varsity Football can be an intimidating prospect. However, for Oatlhotse Ditlhobolo, affectionately known as Foden, this journey has been a testament to the determination and the pursuit of dreams.

Prof LJ Grobler, a professor in mechanical engineering at the North-West University (NWU), is a man with determination. His CV and numerous engineering accomplishments reveal his dynamism.

He has come a long way – from growing up in the beautiful farmlands of Ermelo in Mpumalanga – to sitting in international boardrooms and sharing his expertise to make an impact in the field of renewable energy.

On Saturday 26 August, talented athletes from 40 secondary and six primary schools participated in the Noord-Vaal Cross Country competition hosted by the North-West University's (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus and Hoërskool DR Malan in Meyerton.

The event brought together talented athletes from Vanderbijlpark, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Meyerton and Potchefstroom.

Taking place along the picturesque banks of the Vaal River, participants immersed themselves in the stunning surroundings as they navigated the cross-country course.

A North-West University (NWU) academic says he hopes his new book on South Africa’s moral compass will open up a vigorous social debate that could unleash deep interest among willing role players to bring back hope and morality to our young democracy.

Prof Koos Vorster is part of the Reformed Theology and the Development of the South African Society research unit which deals with the moral development of the South African society.

In a proactive move to address the pressing issue of high unemployment rates among South African youth in general and Bachelor in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (BIKS) graduates in particular, the Innovation Hub in partnership with the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre, orchestrated a groundbreaking entrepreneurial training programme.

On 17 August, Professor Marius Smit from the Faculty of Education delivered his inaugural lecture, titled The symphony of seeds and harvest – harmonising the law, policy, and interventions to cultivate quality education.

In his lecture Prof Smit said that the harmonisation and proper robust application of the law, good policies and interventions can orchestrate an education system that will improve the quality of education in the country.

He illustrated this by highlighting the following points:

The Career Centre at the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a campus work-readiness session on the Potchefstroom Campus.

Work-readiness sessions have become an integral part of the NWU’s goal to provide companies with the platform to highlight and provide information on job openings and the corporate culture.