As South Africans celebrate Transport Month in October, we should broaden our focus beyond infrastructure and modernisation to the more nuanced and pressing issue of universal access to transport. This annual observance is a time to reflect on how transport systems impact everyone, especially those who are marginalised by their physical or financial limitations. While President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the need for universal access to transport, significant challenges remain, especially for the most vulnerable commuters.

The final round of the sixth annual Leopards Lair® student business pitching competition was hosted jointly by the TTIS, bhive Enterprise Development Centre and the North-West University (NWU) Business School on Thursday, 3 October.    

As South Africa marks Transport Month in October, it's an opportune time to reflect on the profound shifts in the logistics sector that have redefined how goods are transported and delivered. The pandemic-induced changes in consumer behaviour have accelerated the rise of last-mile delivery, transforming it into a critical pillar of modern logistics. What once relied on large-scale, long-haul freight systems has now given way to more personalised last-mile solutions that deliver items directly to consumers’ doorsteps.

Take a moment to consider these figures. South Africa’s transport sector contributes about 8% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). We have a 750 000 km road network that carries 80% of freight and 70% of passenger traffic. We have one of the largest rail systems in Africa with approximately 30 400 kilometres of track. Air transport is facilitated by 90 licensed airports and maritime transport carries 96% of the country’s exports by volume.

• The Programme for Forensic Accountancy at the North-West University (NWU) has the biggest group of forensic experts in South Africa who work in the programme full-time.

• The Programme for Forensic Accountancy at the NWU is one of a kind.

• The programme is vital in curbing fraud and corruption.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre for Applied Risk Management (UARM) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its master’s degree programme in behavioural risk work. The programme, initiated by associate professor Hermien Zaaiman and her team, has significantly influenced the professional landscape in Southern Africa over the past decade.

In the final part of our series of articles celebrating Tourism Month, we again look at the phenomenal work the North-West University’s (NWU’s) research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) is doing to infuse the tourism sector with its expertise, to make the sector visible and to protect our tourism heritage. This is why tourism matters.

South Africa’s place on the global tourism stage: A competitive destination

The North-West University (NWU) is celebrating Tourism Month, and when it comes to tourism experts in the country, the NWU’s research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) has distinguished itself as a leader in its field.

In our ongoing series of articles, we take a closer look at what TREES are doing to promote tourism in South Africa. This is why tourism matters.
The economic power of tourism: A vital contributor to South Africa’s growth

The research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) at the North-West University (NWU) has established itself as a leading research unit focusing on sustainable tourism.

TREES distinguishes itself by conducting innovative research on the economic, environmental and social impacts of tourism, and in promoting evidence-based strategies to enhance the sector's growth. The unit plays a crucial role in promoting tourism in South Africa by analysing market trends, developing sustainable tourism models, and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders.

The North-West University (NWU) and the Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA) recently celebrated the NWU’s inclusion on SAIGA’s list of accredited universities to contribute towards the certification and development of public sector accountants and auditors.

This means that the NWU is now accredited to offer the Registered Government Auditor (RGA) qualification, which is fully recognised and registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).