The 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa to Parliament on 9 February gave a wide-ranging, candid and realistic appraisal of South Africa’s present tough and challenging economic landscape.

On Friday, 3 February, the North-West University (NWU) Business School concluded its Summer Study School for MBA students. Overall, the week was a resounding success, with students testifying to tremendous value gained in terms of networking, keynote inputs and a better understanding of what to expect from the programme this year.

One of the biggest challenges for leaders in today's increasingly online business world is how to carry out their job as managers. In the past, it was easier for leaders to promote a culture of trust and integrity because they knew what everyone was doing and could see when someone was not performing in accordance with their ethics. But now, with remote workforces and teams spread across different countries, organisations are struggling to make sure that employees are adhering to their ethical standards consistently across departments and geographies.

So, the word is out, and after much anticipation, Dr Joseph Sekhampu was announced to be the new chief director of the Business School at the North-West University (NWU). But who is Joseph Sekhampu, and what is his vision for the school and for life in general? Who is the man in the golden seat and how does he operate workwise, life-wise and dream-wise?

“As was expected, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) continued with its interest-raising cycle with an increase of 25 basis points (bsp), instead of the higher 50 bsp option that had also been widely canvassed.”

According to Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, this is the right decision in the present stressful economic circumstances.

It cannot be disputed that 2022 was an eventful year for news outlets. The invasion of Ukraine; a global rise in inflation; the death of prominent figures, not only in the entertainment industry, but also major international personalities such as Queen Elizabeth II; and the intensified effects of climate change, among other things, dominated the headlines as the world’s population crossed the milestone of 8 billion people.

It is hard to recall a time when there were as many economic and political cross-currents as there are for South Africa as it enters 2023. This is according to Prof Raymond Parsons, economist at the Business School of the North-West University (NWU).

A new chief director has joined the Business School of the North-West University (NWU). Dr Joseph Sekhampu, an executive in private higher education, will take the reins on 17 January 2023.

Dr Sekhampu boasts managerial expertise that includes being executive head of commerce and management (from August 2022), chief operating officer (2019 to 2022) and dean of the School of Commerce (2014 to 2019) at Milpark Education, a South African private education institution in business education.

The Business School at the North-West University (NWU) is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a five-year accreditation by the Association of African Business Schools (AABS). This is the maximum term of accreditation offered by the AABS. What makes this achievement exceptional, is the fact that the NWU Business School is one of only three business schools in South Africa to have received this prestigious accolade.

“In line with market expectations, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in a majority vote of three to two raised the repo rate by another 75 basis points, with a minority view favouring a 50 basis-point increase.”

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the Business School of the North-West University (NWU), says the statement and decision by the MPC on 24 November conveyed a further strong message about how the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) intends dealing with inflation in South Africa.