The fourth quarter (4Q) gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures that were released on 4 March are positive, but the mild recovery in the GDP in the 4Q of 2024 again confirms that the Government of National Unity (GNU) is right to have set much higher inclusive growth and stronger job creation as South Africa’s key overarching economic priorities.
The trade relationship between South Africa and the United States (US) faces uncertainty as tensions between Pretoria and Washington grow. The potential loss of benefits under the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) raises concerns about economic consequences for key industries.
"If South Africa loses AGOA benefits, the impact will be felt in manufacturing and agriculture," said Mpho Lenoke, an academic at the North-West University (NWU). "Increased tariffs will make South African products less competitive in the US market, affecting export revenue."
Prof David Luke, professor of Practice and strategic director of the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, gave a thought-provoking public lecture hosted by the TRADE research focus area at the North-West University (NWU).
In his lecture Prof Luke emphasised the importance of regional trade and economic integration to Africa’s development. He stressed the necessity for African countries to trade more with one another rather than relying largely on external markets by drawing on lessons from a book he had edited, How Africa Trades.
On 18 February 2025, a distinguished group of academics gathered at the Fireroom, Montecasino, for the exclusive AICPA & CIMA event, Accelerate & Lead: Dinner with Academics. Hosted by Simon Bittlestone, FCMA, CGMA, President of CIMA and Chairman of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the evening provided an invaluable platform for thought-provoking discussions on the evolving landscape of financial education and the role of academic institutions in shaping future financial leaders.
By Michelle Meixieira Groenewald
Sizwe Mazibuko, a second-year BSc Quantitative Risk Management student at the North-West University (NWU), has been named a top 10 finalist in the prestigious 53rd Nedbank & Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition.
This competition serves as a platform for the brightest economic minds in South Africa to engage with critical financial issues, fostering solutions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
The School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management (IPS & HRM) at the North-West University (NWU) recently held its highly anticipated annual master’s degree research retreat at Stonehenge River Lodge in Parys.
This two-day affair, organised by Dr Neil Barnard and Prof Marissa Brouwers, successfully brought together students, academic staff and guest speakers to enhance research capabilities and promote collaborative learning. The sponsors of the event included the Optentia and WorkWell research units.
By Gofaone Motsamai
Bontle Manana, a 34-year-old industrial psychologist and PhD candidate at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU), is breaking barriers and inspiring women across South Africa.
Hailing from Phola Village in Mahikeng, she recently achieved the prestigious milestone of being named a Mrs South Africa semi-finalist.
By Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu
Global financial conditions have a significant effect on the stability of the South African economy, according to a recent study by two researchers from the North-West University (NWU).
In their study on the influence of global financial cycles on South Africa’s financial cycle, Prof Precious Mncayi Makhanya and Khwazi Magubane from the School of Economic Sciences on the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark campus, examined the impact of global capital flows, asset prices and investor risk sentiment.
By: Gofaone Motsamai
The recent approval by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) of a 12,7% electricity tariff increase for the 2025/26 financial year has raised serious concerns about its implications for household budgets, business operations and socio-political stability.
Mpho Lenoke, an economics lecturer at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU), provides expert insights into how this significant rise will impact various aspects of South African life.