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Digitising government procurement could curb fraud and corruption and enhance efficiency

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:21:27 +0000

Digitising government procurement could curb fraud and corruption and enhance efficiency

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/30/2025 - 08:21

Digitising manual procurement processes in government could assist in curbing corruption and bolster a culture of accountability. This is according to PhD graduate Dr Lawrence Moetapele Mojaki of the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA).

Dr Mojaki is a deputy director for supply chain management at the GPAA and recently completed his PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU).

His PhD explored the advantages of developing a digital procurement framework based on Industry 4.0 technologies for the public sector in South Africa.

“There is a need to migrate the manual procurement processes in government to digital, which has frameworks that can assist in curbing corruption in the public coffers and to make sure that there is accountability,” says Dr Mojaki, who has already written five articles from his PhD research. Three of these have been published and two are under peer review.

He notes that while governments around the world increasingly recognise the need to embrace technology in their public procurement processes, the South African government has not yet fully adopted digitisation.

Public procurement activities still rely on manual processes, which create loopholes for human interference and fraud and corruption, ultimately resulting in waste and poor service delivery.

Dr Majoki’s study explored the linkages between the internet of things, cloud computing and sustainable public procurement. He interrogated the literature on Industry 4.0 technologies in South Africa and considered various digital technologies that government can harness to improve its procurement processes.

His findings show that Industry 4.0 technologies present significant opportunities to improve public procurement systems in South Africa, while at the same time addressing sustainability by enhancing efficiency and improving preferential procurement initiatives.

The study also presented an implementation plan for a digital procurement framework that would enable full automation and cut out human error and intervention – and therefore also eliminate opportunities for fraud and corruption.

Dr Lawrence Moetapele Mojaki recently graduated with a PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration from the NWU.

Student awarded coveted SASA honours bursary

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:12:38 +0000

Student awarded coveted SASA honours bursary

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 06/20/2025 - 13:12

The South African Statistical Association (SASA) has announced the winner of its 2024/25 Honours Bursary Competition. Relebohile Makhanya, a student from North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, has been awarded the bursary valued at R50 000.

The competition is open to third-year students in statistics or mathematical statistics who plan to pursue honours studies at a South African university. It aims to support academic progress and address financial need in the field.

The SASA Honours Bursary is awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement and commitment to the discipline of statistics. According to SASA, the R50 000 bursary is part of its broader efforts to support students who plan to continue with postgraduate studies.

Relebohile recently completed her BCom degree in statistics at the NWU and is currently registered for an honours degree in business statistics. She said receiving the bursary has eased the financial pressure of postgraduate study and strengthened her motivation to continue.

“I am more than grateful for this opportunity. It motivates me to keep working hard, knowing that dedication truly pays off and that the sky is the limit,” she said. “This bursary has reaffirmed my belief in the power of perseverance and self-confidence.”

Once she has completed her honours, Relebohile intends to pursue further postgraduate studies and contribute to research and professional work in business statistics.

From left are Prof Martin Chanza, Prof Volition Montshiwa, Prof Tshepiso Tsoku and Relebohile Makhanya.

Students bring HR theory to life through drama performances

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 06:04:13 +0000

Students bring HR theory to life through drama performances

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 06/20/2025 - 08:04

Drama has its uses beyond the stage and screen. It can even be applied to workplace challenges.

In a creative approach to learning, second-year students from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology and Tourism subject groups have been using drama to explore workplace challenges and propose practical solutions.

As part of their Training and Development module, students were tasked with identifying gaps in real-world company training practices and presenting strategic responses through dramatised scenarios.

They acted out these scenarios at a special training event held at the Mahikeng Campus on 12 June.

The event received support from key stakeholders, including Tsebo Cleaning Company, the Gardening Company and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union. Their presence underscored the relevance of the issues raised and encouraged dialogue between students and practitioners.

Combining theory and performance

Drawing on models such as Nadler’s Critical Events Model and the High-Impact Learning Model, the students combined academic theory with performance to demonstrate applied knowledge.

Each group focused on challenges such as ineffective onboarding, poor skills development and lack of continuous learning. Their drama performances offered practical solutions rooted in human resources development models, highlighting the importance of structured training and employee support.

“The goal was to get students to think critically about how organisations approach employee training and how those approaches can be improved,” says Kholiswa Mogoeng, lecturer and leader of the initiative from the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management. “This exercise gave them the chance to apply theory in a tangible, impactful way.”

She also expressed appreciation to the subject groups Human Resource Management and Industrial Psychology for their continued support in enriching student learning experiences and preparing students for the world of work.

Students bring HR theory to life through drama performances.

NWU-NCU joint research seminar strengthens international collaboration

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:30:52 +0000

NWU-NCU joint research seminar strengthens international collaboration

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/18/2025 - 14:30

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) and the Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) recently hosted a successful inaugural NWU-NCU Joint Research Seminar. This milestone event represented a significant advancement in the ongoing commitment of the NWU to fostering international research partnerships and promoting its strategic goal of internationalisation.

The seminar was the outcome of collaborative efforts led by Prof Aldona Glińska-Neweś from the NCU and Prof Ephrem Redda from the WorkWell Research Unit at the NWU. Their joint leadership, supported by both institutions, was instrumental in the development and coordination of this new academic platform that holds great promise for future scholarly engagement.

Reflecting on the importance of such initiatives, Prof Crizelle Els, director of the WorkWell Research Unit at the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU, emphasised that international academic collaboration is essential for meaningful and impactful research. “This seminar represents more than just a partnership between two institutions – it reflects our shared vision of producing impactful, globally relevant research through collaboration,” she said. “We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for joint publications, interdisciplinary engagement and the development of future research leaders.”

Earlier this year, an invitation was extended to NWU researchers to explore collaborative opportunities with colleagues at the NCU in Toruń, Poland. This invitation led to the identification and alignment of multiple research areas, laying a solid foundation for interdisciplinary collaboration. During the seminar, two presentations were delivered, showcasing the diversity and complementarity of expertise between the participating institutions. Prof Rafał Haffer from the NCU gave a presentation on the impact of the extent of process ordering in the workplace on employee attitudes and behaviour. His presentation was followed by that of Prof Bouwer Jonker from the NWU, who explored the influence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the attitudes and behaviours required of automotive assembly employees.

Prof Els said the seminar served as a dynamic forum for scholarly exchange, offering a platform to explore future joint research opportunities.

“Discussions following the presentations revealed several promising areas for collaboration, including joint publications, student exchange initiatives, and collaborative grant applications,” she explained.

Looking ahead, Prof Els said further joint activities are already being planned, and encouraged faculty members to continue exploring the possibilities outlined in the matched research areas. She added that

this collaboration between the NWU and the NCU was a vital step in building a globally engaged research community and advancing the university’s vision of international academic excellence.

Inaugural Global People Practices Conference champions innovation and collaboration in HR

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:34:05 +0000

Inaugural Global People Practices Conference champions innovation and collaboration in HR

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/12/2025 - 08:34

The School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) successfully hosted the first ever Global People Practices Conference (GPPC).

This marked a significant step towards fostering critical discourse, academic collaboration and innovation in human resource management, industrial psychology, labour relations management and human resource development.

Held over three days in Parys, Free State, the event welcomed approximately 50 delegates, including leading academics, industry professionals and postgraduate students. Under the theme “Fostering sustainable people practice research”, the conference set out to highlight South Africa’s contribution to the global people practice discourse, while nurturing academic excellence and postgraduate development.

The GPPC was spearheaded and chaired by Prof Bennie Linde, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in conceptualising and delivering the event. His efforts ensured a high-impact programme that reflected the strong reputation of the NWU in people practices. This symposium provided a platform for global engagement, strengthening academic collaboration and internationalisation across disciplines.

Prof Marissa Brouwers, deputy director of the school, emphasised that the GPPC aligns closely with the NWU’s strategic priorities of academic excellence, social impact and global engagement. Supported by a South African Tourism conference grant and drawing from the prior experience of the school in hosting academic events, the GPPC succeeded in offering a rich and inclusive platform for knowledge exchange.

The programme opened with a welcoming cocktail evening and featured a range of academic and professional activities, including keynote addresses, paper presentation sessions, professional development workshops and a dedicated PhD colloquium. A session on academic publishing offered early-career researchers guidance in strengthening their scholarly contributions, while the popular Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition provided postgraduate students with an opportunity to present their research in a concise and engaging format. Delegates also enjoyed a cultural excursion to the Vredefort Meteorite Dome and a traditional boma dinner, which added to the networking experience.

Distinguished keynote speakers brought global perspectives to the conversation. Dr Ajay Jivan from the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) opened the event with a focus on professional human resource standards and the value of structured frameworks. Prof Charissa Freese of the Avans University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands addressed the importance of inclusive labour markets through multidisciplinary approaches. Prof Elaine Farndale from the Penn State University highlighted the role of accessible, sustainable human resource knowledge in shaping the future of work. Additional international contributions came from Prof René Schalk from Tilburg University, Prof Fabiano Pallonetto and Dr Amy Fahy - both from the Maynooth University - whose insights added both academic and practical value.

Several important themes emerged from the conference. These included the need to professionalise human resource management, the growing impact of digitisation on people practices, and the critical role of lifelong learning in equipping workforces for future challenges. Delegates also

engaged in robust discussions around recent legislative developments, particularly amendments to the Labour Relations Act, and examined the effects of external challenges such as load-shedding and the Covid-19 pandemic on employee well-being, organisational resilience and job satisfaction. Throughout the conference, sustainability, inclusion and adaptability stood out as essential elements of forward-looking human resource strategies.

While no formal resolutions were adopted, the conference yielded numerous practical outcomes. These included increased promotion of micro-credentials and short learning programmes, the strengthening of international academic partnerships, and the dissemination of empirical research to guide leadership development and inform human resource policy.

Looking ahead, Prof Brouwers confirmed that the GPPC will become a biennial event. “By offering a platform for critical discourse, collaborative research and postgraduate development, the GPPC underscores the leadership of the NWU in the evolving field of people practices,” she said. Prof Brouwers added that the success of the inaugural GPPC reinforces the role of the NWU as a hub for cutting-edge people practice scholarship and its growing influence on both the local and international stage.

NWU hosts successful International Week Symposium

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:57:09 +0000

NWU hosts successful International Week Symposium

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 06/10/2025 - 14:57

The School for Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management at the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a highly successful International Week Symposium, spearheaded by Prof Bouwer Jonker.

This two-day hybrid event underscored the university’s commitment to internationalisation, academic excellence, and the development of globally competent human resources and industrial psychology professionals.

The symposium welcomed both in-person and online attendees and created a platform for robust intercultural exchange and scholarly dialogue. It brought together leading voices in the field, fostering conversations on emerging global trends and pressing local challenges.

Opening the event, Prof Marissa Brouwers, deputy director of the school, highlighted the significance of the symposium in advancing the mission of the school. “This symposium reflects our commitment to building an internationally connected academic environment that equips our students and staff with the insight and agility needed for a changing world of work,” she said. “It was an overwhelming success – both in the quality of conversations and the meaningful connections it fostered.”

Throughout the two days, participants engaged with presentations by distinguished speakers. Prof Charissa Freese from the Avans University of Applied Sciences and extraordinary professor at the NWU, delivered insights on financial dimensions of HR in her talk, “Understanding where the money comes from”.

Prof Ajay Jivan, from the South African Board of People Practices, addressed critical national issues in “Pressing human resource management issues in South Africa”. Prof Elaine Farndale, from Penn State University, contributed with a forward-looking presentation on “Human resource management strategy in a changing work environment”.

Their contributions were followed by dynamic panel discussions, also featuring Prof Rene Schalk of Tilburg University. The symposium was facilitated and concluded each day by Prof Bouwer Jonker, who ensured smooth engagement and reflection.

Key topics included the strategic positioning of human resources within organisations, the importance of financial understanding for human resource professionals, and the growing need for academic programmes that integrate finance and human resources. The role of hybrid work in shaping organisational culture and morale was debated, alongside future workforce capabilities and the expanding influence of automation, agentive AI and generative AI (GenAI) on human resource functions. Thought-provoking discussions emerged around how to define “good work” in increasingly digital environments, and how HR can bridge the gap between academia and industry.

A notable outcome of the symposium was the announcement of a research collaboration between Prof Jonker, Prof Irmgard Borghouts of Tilburg University and Prof Charissa Freese. Together, they will develop a transitional inclusive human resource management labour market model aimed at addressing labour market challenges through inclusive human resource strategies.

Prof Brouwers said that feedback from delegates described the symposium as relevant, timely and highly impactful. “Many delegates expressed that the themes discussed would influence curriculum development, policy decisions and organisational practices across the higher-education and professional sectors.”

How exchange rate swings shape growth in BRICS nations

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:27:31 +0000

How exchange rate swings shape growth in BRICS nations

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 06/03/2025 - 12:27

When the Brazilian real stumbles or the Chinese yuan strengthens, the ripple travels far beyond currency traders’ screens; it strikes at the heart of the economic performance of nations belonging to the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) bloc.

That’s the central premise of research by recent NWU PhD graduate Dr Goitsemodimo Abel Molocwa, whose recent investigation into the BRICS bloc unpacks how fluctuations in exchange rates tilt the scales of growth.

“The relationship between exchange rates and economic growth has always been a moving target,” said Dr Molocwa in an interview. “I wanted to test whether that movement follows a predictable rhythm or not.”

His study, spanning data from 1994 to 2022, analysed the exchange rate-growth nexus in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (the original BRICS nations)

The ups and downs of currency swings

The results suggest a compelling message: currency appreciation lifts growth while depreciation, especially beyond certain thresholds, can drag economies down.

“In the long run, appreciation is consistently linked with economic growth,” Dr Molocwa explained. “But depreciation, when it crosses specific limits, can have significant negative effects. The pain isn't always immediate, but it’s measurable.”

One of the key findings is that the impact of exchange rate fluctuations is not symmetrical. A little gain helps. A little loss hurts more. The study also found that high interest rates remain a consistent drag on growth, while trade openness provides a supportive tailwind.

“Appreciation helps. Depreciation hurts. And the scale of depreciation matters,” he said. “The models confirmed that the relationship is far from linear.”

Inflation, meanwhile, played a more unpredictable role, at times dampening growth and in other instances showing negligible or even positive associations, depending on the model used.

Findings have practical application

Beyond diagnosis, Dr Molocwa offers prescriptions for BRICS policymakers: adopt managed exchange rate regimes, coordinate monetary policies and diversify foreign reserves. “Stability in currency regimes is not just a nice-to-have,” he said. “It’s an economic necessity.”

In an era where BRICS seeks to recalibrate its global role, even considering a common currency, Dr Molocwa’s research provides timely insight into the hidden mechanics of economic performance.

“This research,” he stressed, “is not just academic. It’s a guidepost. Policy decisions that ignore the signals embedded in exchange rate behaviour do so at a cost.”

Dr Goitsemodimo Abel Molocwa

With three degrees and a global publication, Aurleen Shenjere is a rising star in academia

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 30 May 2025 08:05:25 +0000

With three degrees and a global publication, Aurleen Shenjere is a rising star in academia

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/30/2025 - 10:05

At just 23 years old, Aurleen Shenjere has achieved what many spend a lifetime striving towards – three degrees, including a master’s degree completed in under a year, and an academic publication in an international peer-reviewed journal. Her story is one of exceptional discipline, resilience and purpose – driven by a deep desire to grow and to inspire.

Born in 2002, Aurleen matriculated in 2019 and quickly charted a path of academic excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Risk Management at the North-West University (NWU), completing it in just three years, by 2022. The following year, she graduated with an honours degree with distinction, and in 2024, she successfully completed a Master of Commerce in Risk Management – all before turning 24.

What motivated her to move so swiftly and intentionally? “It was fuelled by the goals and vision I set for myself,” she says. “I have a deep passion for my field, and I wanted to grow, learn and challenge myself to become the best version of who I can be.”

For Aurleen, pursuing her studies was not about chasing accolades – it was about unlocking her potential and honouring her family’s sacrifices. “Making my parents proud and creating a meaningful impact in my life and others’ – that was my ‘why’.”

While there was no single moment that led her to commit to academia, Aurleen says her appreciation for learning deepened over time. “The more I studied, the more I realised how education changes how you understand the world. That feeling when something finally makes sense – it is incredibly empowering.”

Staying focused during long academic stretches was not easy, but she credits her structured approach and unshakable discipline. “I used detailed to-do lists for both short- and long-term goals, which helped break down the workload into manageable pieces,” she explains. “That, along with prayer, positive affirmations and taking breaks for my mental health, helped me stay consistent.”

Completing a full master's-degree programme in under a year is no small feat. “It was thrilling, but also scary,” she admits. “It tested every part of me – mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.”

Academically, it honed her problem-solving skills and strengthened her ability to work under pressure. Personally, it was a journey of growth. “This experience showed me that with enough belief and dedication, anything is possible. It was challenging, but it broadened my perspective and deepened my confidence in my own capabilities.”

Aurleen’s master's-degree dissertation explored investor sentiment and its effect on South African ETF flows under different market conditions – a timely and important topic. “I wanted to understand how emotional reactions in the market influence ETFs, especially since ETFs are gaining popularity and can amplify market volatility.”

Her work was accepted and published in a Q2-ranked international peer-reviewed journal, a rare achievement for someone so early in their academic career. “Seeing my name in print was surreal,” she says. “All the late nights, all the effort – it suddenly felt worth it. Knowing my research could contribute to financial understanding and future studies is incredibly fulfilling.”

Aurleen Shenjere

Political stability seen as is key to boosting southern African trade

MARELIZE SANTANA — Wed, 28 May 2025 06:33:48 +0000

Political stability seen as is key to boosting southern African trade

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Wed, 05/28/2025 - 08:33

South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini need to work towards stabilising their political environments and improving governance to create a better climate for business and trade.

“Political stability is crucial for trade,” says Dr Mpho Lenoke, recent PhD graduate and a lecturer in the subject group Economics at the North-West University (NWU). “When governments prioritise stability, they make room for economic growth.”

He set out to understand how political conditions shape trade in southern Africa in a study titled “An econometric approach of a country’s political state on trade openness in South African Customs Union countries”.

“In South Africa, political stability seems to encourage more trade activities, while in Lesotho and Eswatini, political turbulence appeared to hold back economic exchange,” Dr Lenoke said.

For his analysis, which used data from 1996 to 2022, he employed advanced econometric models, including the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and panel-ARDL methods.

“In Lesotho and Eswatini, political challenges are linked to less openness to trade,” he said.

In contrast, political stability in South Africa was directly correlated with trade openness.

The study also highlighted the roles of inflation and population in influencing trade patterns across the three nations. In South Africa, for example, stable governance and inflation control were found to support trade growth.

Dr Lenoke’s findings point to a path forward for southern Africa: strengthen political institutions, align economic policies and boost cooperation within the region. For policymakers, his study serves as a reminder that political stability is not just about governance; it is a foundation for economic progress.

Dr Mpho Lenoke recently graduated with a PhD in economics.

Carbon tax and economic growth: navigating South Africa’s climate challenge

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 16 May 2025 09:09:23 +0000

Carbon tax and economic growth: navigating South Africa’s climate challenge

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/16/2025 - 11:09

South Africa's ambitious efforts to curb carbon emissions while maintaining economic growth are facing new scrutiny as researchers explore the link between carbon tax, emissions and GDP growth.

Dr Victor Mofema, a lecturer in the subject group Economics at the North-West University (NWU) and a recent PhD graduate, believes increasing the country’s carbon tax gradually could further reduce emissions while supporting growth.

In a recent study he analysed nearly three decades of economic and environmental data to understand how these factors interact, and what it could mean for the country’s future.

The study, which covered data from 1993 to 2022, examined how carbon emissions and economic growth respond to carbon tax policies. "I wanted to understand not just the short-term impact of carbon tax, but its long-term implications for both the environment and economic growth," Dr Mofema explains.

Three models explore the impact of carbon tax

The research was divided into three models to capture different dimensions of the relationship. In the first model, findings showed that while GDP growth is linked to rising carbon emissions, carbon tax does contribute to reducing emissions, but only in the short term. "The immediate effect of carbon tax is clear; it reduces emissions. But over the long run, its impact becomes less significant," Dr Mofema noted.

The second model revealed a complex interplay: higher carbon tax, increased energy consumption and rising emissions were all associated with GDP growth. However, imports appeared to dampen economic expansion.

"If South Africa wants to grow its economy, it must increase carbon tax strategically while keeping emissions stable and boosting energy consumption," Dr Mofema said. "We also found that imports tend to pull GDP down, so managing trade balance is crucial."

The third model focused on the long-term dynamics, showing that carbon tax has a positive impact on GDP, while emissions and energy consumption negatively affect growth.

Dr Mofema suggested that addressing inflation and stabilising energy use could help manage carbon emissions and support economic expansion. "Reducing energy consumption and keeping inflation in check are key to balancing carbon tax impacts," he adds.

The study also identified a critical threshold for carbon tax in South Africa, indicating that the country has room to increase its tax rates without stalling economic growth.

"Our findings suggest that South Africa has not yet reached its carbon tax limit. Increasing it gradually could further reduce emissions while supporting growth," Dr Mofema concluded.

Dr Victor Mofema was recently conferred a PhD in Economics.