He is renowned for his wealth of expertise and numerous research outputs. Now, Prof Ian Rothman, director of the Optentia Research Unit at the North-West University (NWU), again finds himself in distinguished company on his election as a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).

ASSAf was formed in 1996 and represents South Africa in the international community of science academies.

Prof Rothman responded with delight to his election to ASSAf from Taiwan, where he was giving a keynote lecture.

To assist struggling final-year students at North-West University (NWU), the Alumni Relations office hosted various events and successfully raised R90 000. This helps students with outstanding debts of R5 000 or less to clear their financial obligations and graduate in 2024.

The cheque was presented to Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, during the staff year-end function on 24 November 2023.

In a delightful showcase of musical talent, North-West University (NWU) lecturer Thomas Erlank and second-year BA student Sisikelelwe Mngenela took the spotlight as soloists in Salon Music's enchanting Christmas Concert recording.

The recording took place in Studio M1 at the SABC in Johannesburg. Accompanied and guided by Dr Antoinette Olivier, the duo's outstanding performance promises to mesmerise audiences nationwide.

While addressing the current challenges posed by load-shedding, the North-West University (NWU) is also looking at long-term sustainable and greener renewable energy-generation solutions. This will not only ensure energy security, but also underscore the university’s commitment to just energy transition.

Professor in mechanical engineering Prof LJ Grobler represented the North-West University (NWU) at the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) World conference that took place from 25 to 27 October 2023 at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida.

The AEE is an international non-profit membership association focusing on professional development in the energy sector. To help professionals working in the energy sector develop their skills, they offer a variety of training and certification programmes.

The North-West University (NWU) gave recognition to its outstanding staff during the annual NWU Excellence Awards ceremony, which took place in Potchefstroom on 23 November.

Staff were acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to teaching and learning, community engagement, and research and innovation.

As was widely anticipated, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) by a unanimous vote decided at a third consecutive meeting (and its last meeting of the year) to again keep interest rates unchanged, with the repo rate staying at 8,25%.

South Africans know El Niño means a hot, dry summer, but climate experts from the North-West University (NWU) warn the El Niño impact extends beyond just drought – there is some evidence, although not significant, that it also brings severe weather events and increased risk of heat stress.

The staff newsletter of the North-West University (NWU) recently entered the international arena when it scooped an Award of Excellence at the Silver Quill awards ceremony of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Africa Region.

The May 2023 publication edition, life@NWU, received a Silver Quill in the category for publications.

• The share of the population unable to afford a healthy diet has fallen across all income groups

• Loadshedding has increased costs and pushed up prices throughout the food production value chain

• Food prices are not only determined by supply and demand, but also by policies and politics