Vice-chancellor news

Why the maths behind matric pass rates do not add up by Bertie Jacobs BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 01/27/2026 - 13:25

South Africa’s celebrated matric pass rates do not reflect the reality of a “leaking pipeline” that serves neither the country’s ailing economy nor the future prospects of matriculants.

At the centre of this dilemma is what might be called a pass-rate hostage crisis. Schools, under pressure to maintain high headline results, increasingly steer weaker learners away from gateway subjects, most notably Mathematics, to protect their overall performance figures.

The result is a system that rewards statistical success rather than substantive learning. High pass rates create the impression of progress, even as the pool of pupils equipped with the skills the country desperately needs continues to shrink.

According to Prof. Linda du Plessis, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at North-West University (NWU), pass rates have become an artificial measure of success, concealing deeper systemic and provincial failures.

“We must be honest: a high pass rate does not necessarily mean that learning has improved deeply and sustainably,” she says.

Prof. du Plessis notes that the reluctance to steer learners towards gateway subjects such as Mathematics, Accounting and Physical Science fails to address the scarce skills the country needs and the areas where job opportunities are most abundant.

“Fewer learners choose Mathematics, and this costs South Africa dearly. It also has serious long-term consequences for economic growth. In 2024, only 6.3% of the matriculation cohort achieved a quality pass in the subject. This places the future of STEM careers - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - under severe pressure.

“The causes are well known: weak foundation skills, low self-confidence, curriculum overload and limited support in overcrowded classrooms. By the time Mathematics becomes optional, many learners abandon it because it feels safer.

“In 2025, 464 public schools did not offer Mathematics at all. These challenges are not reflected in headline pass rates. Without earlier and more effective intervention by the Department of Basic Education, the system continues to deprive learners of future opportunities.”

She adds that subject-choice guidance itself is part of the problem. “As soon as a school comes under pressure, learners are encouraged to change subjects at the first sign of difficulty. This undermines self-esteem and has lasting consequences for post-school careers.”

South Africa’s youth unemployment sharpens the stakes.

“Among young people aged 15 to 24, unemployment stood at 50.3% in 2015. A decade later, it has risen to 62.4%, which is almost two out of every three young people,” Prof. du Plessis explains. “For those aged 25 to 34, the rate has increased from 31.4% to 40.4%, excluding even those who have already tried to gain a foothold in the labour market.”

In 2025, only 34% of candidates wrote Mathematics, with the majority opting for Mathematical Literacy. More learners took Mathematics, yet performance deteriorated: the pass rate fell from 69% in 2024 to 64% in 2025. Accounting declined from 81% to 78%, while Physical Science improved marginally to 77%.

“This confirms that weak foundations in the early grades continue to block access to key gateway subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Science and Accounting,” Prof. du Plessis says. “These subjects determine access to scarce skills and higher education.”

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has echoed this diagnosis, arguing that the real crisis lies not in Grade 12, but in the early years of schooling. Only 42% of children aged four to five are developmentally “on track”, meaning most arrive in Grade 1 already behind.

Just 63,000 learners - less than 7% of the Grade 12 cohort - achieved more than 50% in Mathematics in the most recent year. Only a narrow slice of matriculants, in other words, emerges with strong performance in the subjects that matter most.

Nowhere is the gap between headline success and substantive achievement more visible than in the North West province. In Accounting, the overall pass rate remained superficially strong, yet the share of learners achieving marks above 40% - a more meaningful threshold for further study and workplace readiness - fell from 55.7% in 2024 to just 49.3% in 2025, dropping below the halfway mark. Physical Science tells a similar story: the proportion of candidates reaching 50% or more declined from 28.6% to 24.5% over the same period. Mathematics, the most critical gateway of all, shows the sharpest erosion. In 2024, nearly 30% of learners cleared the 50% threshold. A year later, only 24.8% of the 10,601 candidates who wrote the subject did so. The pattern is consistent across disciplines: pass rates hold, but quality collapses.

The province’s weak system throughput is also a warning sign. With a throughput rate of just 53.6% - the worst in the country - almost one in every two learners who entered Grade 1 in 2014 failed to reach Grade 12, underscoring an education system that is not merely underperforming, but structurally in crisis.

In the North West, the pipeline is not merely leaking, it is quietly emptying.

What, then, is the solution?

According to Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of NWU, there is a substantial and growing need for technical and skills-oriented education. Strengthening and elevating the status of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, he argues, is essential.

“These institutions play a central role in supporting economic growth and job creation. South Africa must focus on expanding and improving post-school education and training opportunities, strengthening skills development programmes, and ensuring closer alignment between school subject choices and post-school education and training pathways,” he says.

The post-school system, however, currently reflects what he describes as an “inverted pyramid”.

“A well-functioning system should have a broad base of vocational and technical learners in TVET and community colleges, with fewer students at the narrow peak in academic universities. Instead, South Africa’s universities enrol around 1.07 million students, while TVET colleges serve about 564,000 learners and Community Education and Training colleges around 120,000.

“Together, these vocational and community institutions enrol far fewer learners than the university sector alone.”

This imbalance carries significant labour-market consequences. TVET and vocational pathways are designed to produce the intermediate and technical skills the economy urgently needs. Yet the current distribution continues to favour academic study over practical training.

“Rebalancing the system is essential to address skills shortages, improve employment outcomes and support economic growth,” Prof. Tyobeka says. “Increasing TVET participation, elevating the status of technical education, and aligning learners’ subject choices more closely with labour-market needs would help correct this inverted pyramid. The malfunctioning of the TVET sector remains a major contributing factor.”

The late management theorist Eli Goldratt once observed: “Tell me how you will measure me, and I will tell you how I will behave.” South Africa’s Basic Education system has taken that lesson to heart, and learned the wrong one.

“As long as headline pass rates remain the dominant measure of success, schools will continue to optimise for appearances rather than outcomes. What should matter instead is how many learners emerge with strong performance in gateway subjects, how many progress through the system without falling behind, and how closely subject choices align with the skills the economy actually demands,” says Prof. Tyobeka.

Until those metrics change, the pipeline will continue to leak. The numbers will keep “adding up” on paper, even as the country’s supply of engineers, technicians and skilled professionals quietly runs dry.

South Africa does not suffer from a shortage of certificates. It suffers from a shortage of skills.

 

Prof. Bismark Tyobeka

Prof. Linda du Plessis

Applications and admissions at the North-West University 2026 MOIRA MULLER Wed, 01/21/2026 - 21:33

The North-West University (NWU), a South African public higher education institution, whose policies and rules are governed in accordance with the supreme law of the country – the South African Constitution – has the responsibility and accountability to ensure access and success of students. 

As a public institution, the university recruits and admits qualifying students, regardless of their origin (village/township/town/region), race, religion, or gender.

The applications for admission at the NWU are free of charge for all prospective students.  The above principles apply to staff recruitment and employment. 

Since the release of the Grade 12 results, we have experienced an unprecedented volume of enquiries and requests regarding late applications for the 2026 academic year. Many of these enquiries originate from the Mahikeng and surrounding communities.

We acknowledge the hope, anticipation, and anxiety that accompany this important milestone in the lives of prospective students and their families. Access to higher education represents opportunity, aspiration, and a better future, and we recognise the deep emotional investment attached to these applications.

However, it is important to reiterate the realities governing admissions at all South African public universities. There are limited spaces available for universities including the NWU to admit all students. As communicated previously, we received more than 420 000 applications for the 2026 academic year, while there are only 11 800 spaces available for first-year students across our campuses. As a result, late applications cannot be accommodated under any circumstances. To this end, we will not allow any walk-in enquiries for applications. 

The number of first-year students who can be accepted is guided by enrolment targets approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), as well as programme-specific capacity limits and subject requirements. Consequently, some applicants whose results may satisfy the requirements of their preferred degrees/programmes may be unsuccessful in securing admission spaces and applicable criteria.

We are diligently finalising admission decisions in strict accordance with our admission policies, as approved by the NWU Council. This process is conducted with integrity, fairness, and transparency, and is beyond reproach.

We have noted allegations circulating among some interest groups/structures suggesting that preference is being given to applicants from outside the North West Province. These allegations are categorically false, mischievous and divisive.  The North West Province constitutes the second largest source of students across the NWU’s three campuses, and on the Mahikeng Campus in particular, students from the North West remain in the majority. As a public institution, we carry a constitutional and legal obligation to operate as a national university, serving all South Africans equally. 

While we appreciate the disappointment and uncertainty of unsuccessful prospective students and their parents we must emphasise that capacity constraints are not unique to the NWU but are a national reality across all 26 public universities. In this context, the NWU has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to the harassment, intimidation, or threatening of staff members who are executing their duties with professionalism, commitment, and integrity. Members of the public are urged to refrain from accessing offices and making demands or confronting staff about the applications. Such actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

We respectfully appeal to all stakeholders – students, parents, community leaders, and staff – to exercise patience and understanding while we execute the admission and registration processes. 

The majority of final offers have already been issued. Applicants who remain uncertain about their admission status are strongly encouraged to verify their application status online by logging into their profile dashboard at: https://applynow.nwu.ac.za/OnlineApplication/ 

Applicants who have received provisional acceptance may also contact the NWU through the following official channels:

Email: studies@nwu.ac.za 
WhatsApp: +27 (0)60 070 2606
SMS line: 31750
NWU Call Centre: 0860 169 698

Information regarding the 2027 application period will be communicated in due course. Prospective students are urged to apply within the published application window to avoid a recurrence of the current situation.

The university remains committed to academic excellence, fairness, and the responsible stewardship of opportunity, while continuing to serve students, staff, and communities with dignity and respect.

Thank you
Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka
NWU Principal and Vice-Chancellor 

Condolences: Vanderbijlpark school transport tragedy MARELIZE SANTANA Tue, 01/20/2026 - 13:40

The North-West University (NWU) conveys its deepest condolences to the families, teachers, classmates, and the basic education community affected by the recent scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark. This tragic event has robbed our country of potential and promise - innocent young lives cut short and dreams permanently shattered. 

As part of the Vanderbijlpark community, we stand in solidarity with the affected families, schools, and the basic education department in the Sedibeng District and Gauteng Province in general. We are, once again, called upon to review and improve scholar and public transport in our country to ensure maximum road safety. 

Our relevant experts and staff are already participating in offering the necessary support services to the affected families and schools. We are ready to offer any further counselling and psychological support that may be needed. 

We extend our thoughts and prayers to all those affected and trust that, through unity, support, and solidarity, they will have strength to deal with this tragic loss. 

May their souls rest in peace. 

Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka
NWU Principal and Vice-Chancellor 

Celebrating 15 Years of Finnish–South African Atmospheric Collaboration at NWU by Belinda Bantham BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 12/02/2025 - 15:37

When we think about anniversaries, 15 years is traditionally known as a crystal anniversary, and the symbolism of crystal is both beautiful and unique. Crystal represents clarity and transparency, reflecting the trust and openness that have grown over the years in a partnership. It also signifies care, strength and beauty, showing that even with its delicate nature, crystal is enduring, elegant, and able to last generations — just as we hope this collaboration will.

With these words, Finnish Ambassador Pekka Metso opened a day that felt connected in more ways than one. It was rainy and cold in Potchefstroom, much like the familiar weather in Finland, and that was not the only thing the two countries shared as they gathered to celebrate 15 years of Finnish–South African atmospheric research collaboration at the North-West University (NWU).

Finland is a country defined by its pristine natural landscapes, deep forests, and a culture that treats nature with reverence. It is a place where innovation is not pursued for prestige, but for the wellbeing of people and the planet. This spirit of thoughtful progress and care for the environment has shaped its long-standing partnership with South Africa and NWU. For more than a decade, this collaboration has been guided by a shared belief that scientific discovery should improve lives, protect the earth, and unlock possibilities for future generations.

The visit began in the office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, who reflected on the importance of international cooperation in solving global environmental challenges. “Today’s engagement reaffirms our conviction that scientific cooperation across borders is essential to understanding and safeguarding our planet.”

Prof. Tyobeka described Welgegund as one of the most advanced atmospheric observation stations on the African continent and an asset of global scientific significance. He explained that over 15 years, this collaboration has delivered invaluable long-term data that strengthens evidence-based policymaking, agricultural planning, environmental leadership, and climate resilience. Its globally unique datasets continue to shape international research and inspire new partnerships. “Welgegund stands as a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when institutions commit to mutual respect and long-term strategic collaboration,” he said.

Drawing on his own experience as a nuclear scientist and engineer, Prof. Tyobeka added: “I have always admired how atmospheric scientists work with phenomena that cannot be enriched, contained, or shielded behind concrete, yet still produce data of extraordinary precision. Every scientific discipline carries its own elegance, its own mysteries, and its indispensable contribution to humanity.”

During his address, Ambassador Metso reminded attendees that the relationship between Finland and South Africa is not only strong, but thriving. He emphasised that bilateral relations “could not be better” and noted that the Finnish President will soon visit South Africa for the upcoming G20 Summit, a symbol of the nations’ growing closeness. “Science is the heart of what ties us together, and I look forward to building these ties for years to come,” he added.

The day concluded with a tour of the Welgegund Atmospheric Observation Station, where the delegation explored the technology, expertise, and research that have defined this partnership. Surrounded by panoramic landscapes, state-of-the-art instruments, and globally unique atmospheric datasets, it was a powerful reminder of what thoughtful collaboration, curiosity, and care for the planet can achieve.

The celebrations did not end in Potchefstroom. The following day, the programme continued in Pretoria, where the Finnish Embassy hosted the South African partners—first with an intimate gathering at the embassy, followed by a full day of presentations by all collaborating institutions at the CSIR International Convention Centre.

All thanks and acknowledgement go to the Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group, led by Prof Pieter van Zyl, Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Group Leader at the North-West University, and to Dr Miroslav (Micky) Josipovic, senior lecturer in Atmospheric Chemistry and Station Manager of the Welgegund Atmospheric Field Station. They provided the delegation with valuable insight into the site’s instrumentation, long-term datasets, and the environmental conditions that contribute to Welgegund’s global scientific significance.

About the Welgegund Atmospheric Observation Site

Located approximately 35 km from Potchefstroom, the Welgegund station was established through cooperation between the NWU and the University of Helsinki. The site was deliberately positioned in a transition zone between dry and wet regions—an area where climatic changes can be observed quickly. It is regionally representative of the South African interior and is influenced by major air pollution sources including the Johannesburg–Pretoria metropolitan area, the Vaal Triangle, the western Bushveld Complex, and the Mpumalanga Highveld.

The station provides comprehensive long-term atmospheric measurements, including meteorology, radiation, trace gases (such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds), and advanced aerosol data. These measurements inform climate models, air quality studies, and research on aerosol effects on the radiation balance—an area where southern Africa has limited long-term datasets.

The site was made possible through the support of local farmers, notably Mr Diederik Hatting of the farm Kromdraai, who provided land and infrastructure. Welgegund now forms part of international research networks, including projects of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) programme, expanding access to state-of-the-art scientific data for researchers and students.

 

Delegation to visit Australia and New Zealand to strengthen international partnerships by Phenyo Mokgothu MOIRA MULLER Wed, 11/12/2025 - 13:56

Nontsikelelo Kote-Nkomo, executive director for strategy and strategic projects in the office of the NWU vice-chancellor.

International relevance remains the North-West University’s (NWU’s) goal.

To this end, Nontsikelelo Kote-Nkomo, executive director for strategy and strategic projects in the office of the vice-chancellor, will be leading a delegation to Australia and New Zealand from 15 to 30 November 2025.

This forms part of the university’s strategic drive to expand its international footprint and to strengthen academic collaboration with leading international institutions. 

Earlier this year, representatives from Lincoln University in New Zealand visited the NWU as part of the partnership and collaboration that commenced in 2024.

The NWU delegation includes representatives from the faculties of Health Sciences, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Engineering. They will engage with the University of Western Australia and the University of Melbourne, as well as Lincoln University and the University of Otago in New Zealand. These universities are ranked among the world’s top 500 universities according to the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings. 

The visit will explore partnerships in areas such as engineering, mining, agriculture, astronomy, space science, sustainability, and high-performance sport. These fields reflect the NWU’s academic and research priorities and provide avenues for staff and student exchanges, collaborative projects, and shared research initiatives.

Knowledge knows no boundaries

Nontsikelelo emphasises that the mission is a key component of the NWU’s commitment to international engagement.

“Internationalisation is central to the NWU’s strategy. We believe that through global partnerships, we can best serve our province, our country and our continent. Knowledge knows no boundaries, and our growth depends on the exchange of expertise on a global scale,” she says.

The NWU’s internationalisation strategy seeks to harness global expertise, foster collaboration, and enhance research capacity across disciplines. This exchange of knowledge empowers the university to be part of addressing pressing socio-economic challenges while ensuring that its staff and students engage with international thought leaders.

The visit aims to deepen the NWU’s participation in international academic networks, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and promote innovation across teaching and research. By engaging with leading universities, the NWU will gain insights into best practices that can inform institutional development and enrich the university’s academic culture.

This will enable the NWU to reach new audiences, unearth opportunities, and position itself as an internationally competitive, research-driven African institution.

Donor luncheon highlights the impact of donors and industry partners’ contributions by Willie du Plessis BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 10/30/2025 - 08:24

Donors and industry partners play a vital role in keeping dreams alive at the North-West University (NWU). This was highlighted at the annual Donors and Stakeholders Luncheon, held in Pretoria on 28 October, at which the university expressed its deep appreciation for these invaluable partnerships.

The luncheon is one of the key stewardship events of the NWU. It celebrates generosity and reaffirms the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research and community engagement. The event brought together senior management, members of the Board of Donors, donors, industry partners and special guests.

The programme, directed by Silvanus Welcome, director for Development and Fundraising, featured messages of gratitude, success stories and reflections from both beneficiaries and benefactors.

In her welcoming address, Percy Moleke, chairperson of the NWU Board of Donors, said the annual event is an opportunity for donors to get to know the university better and to find out where their donations are going. She said the event connects donors with the stories and aspirations behind their support and strengthens the relationship between the donor community, students and the institution.

Dr Anna Mokgokong, chancellor, thanked donors for helping to bridge the gap between potential and achievement, enabling students from all backgrounds to pursue excellence. She celebrated the success of the NWU’s Giving Week, which raised over R1,7 million for the We Care Bursary Fund, calling it “an act of faith in young people and in the power of education to transform society.” She added: “Let us commit not merely to donate, but to belong and become part of the NWU family who keeps dreams alive.”

Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, highlighted several milestones. He noted the leadership of the NWU in digital transformation through the NWU AI Hub, which offers innovative AI literacy and certification programmes. The global footprint of the university continues to grow through initiatives such as the African International Teaching Week and partnerships with institutions in Zambia, Botswana, Brazil and the United States.

He said the NWU ranks among South Africa’s top universities for NRF-rated researchers, with postgraduate excellence supported by the full cost Master’s and PhD bursary fund for qualifying students. Community engagement remains central to the mission of the NWU, reflected in initiatives such as the Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day and the 2025 Community Engagement Showcase under the theme “Rooted in Africa, Engaging Communities, and Impacting the World”.

The university also celebrated achievements in sport, leadership and innovation.

Bert Sorgdrager, chairperson of the Council, said the NWU is entering an exciting phase, with four faculties soon welcoming new deans. “With an energised team, we are heading toward a new level of growth,” he said, pointing to developments such as the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, the School of Mines and Mining Engineering, and the School of Veterinary Sciences. “It is a good time for the university. Visit our campuses and experience these exciting developments for yourself,” he concluded.

Dr Anna Mokgokong, chancellor, Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, and Percy Moleke, chairperson of the NWU Board of Donors.

The annual Donors and Stakeholders Luncheon of the NWU brought together senior management, members of the Board of Donors, donors, industry partners and special guests.

The annual Donors and Stakeholders Luncheon of the NWU brought together senior management, members of the Board of Donors, donors, industry partners and special guests.

Percy Moleke, chairperson of the NWU Board of Donors.

 

Prof Bismark Tyobeka hails SA’s “bold”, “progressive” new energy blueprint by Bertie Jacobs BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 10/20/2025 - 09:11

• The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 projects that South Africa will generate more electricity from non–fossil-fuel sources than from fossil fuels.

• South Africa can reclaim its leadership position as Africa’s foremost nuclear power nation.

• The IRP recognises the urgency with which we must act in addressing climate change.

On Sunday 19 October, Electricity and Energy Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, outlined South Africa’s new energy transition strategy – the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) – which emphatically shifts the country’s energy reliance from fossil fuels to renewables, gas and nuclear.

The IRP sets the country on a 15-year path to diversify the national energy mix, modernise ageing infrastructure, and restore faith in an economy long constrained by blackouts.

At the heart of the plan lies a familiar dilemma of how to keep the lights on without worsening the climate crisis. Coal, which still provides 58% of South Africa’s electricity, will gradually yield to renewables, and together with distributed generation, this energy mix will make up over half of new installed capacity by 2035. The government expects more than 105 000 MW of new generation capacity by 2039, with 34 000 MW from wind and 25 000 MW from solar. Yet fossil fuels will not disappear entirely. Gas-to-power - 6 000 MW by 2030 - will act as a stabiliser, while a “clean coal” demonstration plant remains on the cards.

Perhaps most striking is the return of nuclear energy to the national conversation. The IRP calls for 5 200 MW of new nuclear generation by 2039, with potential expansion to 10 000 MW if a forthcoming Nuclear Industrialisation Plan proves viable. The government argues that nuclear offers reliable baseload power and industrial spinoffs, echoing a global resurgence that has seen 70 reactors under construction and renewed financial support from development banks.

Nuclear energy expert Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), former CEO of the National Nuclear Regulator and current member as well chairperson of the Ministerial Expert Panel on Nuclear, has lauded the new framework, praising it for both its environmental commitment and how it will reposition South Africa as the continent’s foremost nuclear power nation.

“I think the IRP 2025 released by the Minister on Sunday is quite progressive, especially in the sense that it recognises the urgency with which we must act in addressing climate change. I view it as a strong affirmation from the South African government that we have clear climate obligations to meet, and that reducing our carbon footprint is a vital part of this commitment.

“For the first time, the IRP 2025 projects that South Africa will generate more electricity from non–fossil-fuel sources than from fossil fuels. This represents a significant turning point, as we begin to scale down fossil-fuel-based generation and increase the contribution of cleaner energy sources such as solar, hydro, wind, and nuclear. To me, that is a bold and progressive step,” he explains.

“On a personal note, as a nuclear engineer, I am encouraged by the projection of 5 200 megawatts of new nuclear capacity. It acknowledges the crucial role that nuclear power has played in South Africa’s energy history. For more than forty years, the country has benefited from clean, safe, and secure electricity generated at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in Duynefontein in the Western Cape.”

According to the IRP, the first 1 200 megawatts should come online by 2036, with the remaining units added progressively until the full 5 200 megawatts are realised by 2039. This constitutes only the first phase. The broader vision is the development of a Nuclear Industrialisation Plan, a master strategy that goes beyond simply connecting new units to the grid. It envisions reviving the entire nuclear fuel-cycle value chain and could ultimately expand capacity to 10 000 megawatts in the medium term, once approved by the relevant government authorities.

“This would mark a return to the fundamentals of domestic nuclear capability by enriching our own fuel for peaceful electricity generation and for non-power applications. It would support not only power reactors but also non-power reactors such as the planned new multi-purpose reactor at Pelindaba, which will replace the ageing SAFARI-1 facility. This new reactor will strengthen South Africa’s position in producing radioisotopes and other nuclear-based innovations with applications in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.

“It is indeed an ambitious plan, but I welcome the Minister’s pragmatic approach and its proposed implementation in manageable stages. Achieving the first 5 200 megawatts by 2039, with the initial 1 200 megawatts delivered by 2036, is a realistic target. Ten years is not an excessive timeframe if one considers that, for nuclear newcomer countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) milestones framework typically anticipates a 12- to 15-year process from planning to first electricity generation, including at least seven years of construction,” says Prof Tyobeka.

He further explains that: “Given the preparatory work already done by the South African nuclear sector - including Necsa, the Department of Electricity and Energy, and the National Nuclear Regulator, which has been modernising its regulatory framework - the timeline is achievable. We also have the National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute fully operational and expanding its capacity, and Eskom itself has shown encouraging signs of financial recovery, recently reporting a profit exceeding R100 billion.

“The time is right, and the key players are ready. From our side, as members of the Ministerial Advisory Panel, we must ensure that implementation happens as swiftly as

possible. Our advice on the IRP should focus on achieving the shortest feasible delivery timelines while maintaining the necessary pace and scale of government action. Procrastination is the thief of time, and we cannot afford to delay further.”

The objectives are clear, the targets are set and decisive actions are now needed for the IRP to succeed: “We must move decisively to deliver the first new nuclear power unit by 2036, followed by successive units in 2037, 2038, and 2039, until the full 5 200 megawatts are connected to the grid. By then, South Africa will have reclaimed its leadership position as Africa’s foremost nuclear power nation.”

NWU to host HEFMA 2025 Annual Conference under the theme “Innovating Campus Spaces” by Belinda Bantham MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 10/10/2025 - 07:14

The North-West University (NWU) is proud to host the Higher Education Facilities Management Association (HEFMA) 2025 Annual Conference, a flagship event that will bring together leaders and professionals from across the higher education, training and infrastructure sectors.

Set to take place from 13 to 16 October 2025, the conference will attract delegates from universities, TVET colleges, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), government departments and the private sector.

This year’s theme, “Innovating Campus Spaces”, reflects the association’s commitment to fostering innovation, driving sustainability, and addressing critical skills development within facilities management.

The conference programme promises a stimulating line-up of keynote addresses, panel discussions, interactive workshops, exhibitions and site tours, creating a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among facilities management professionals.

NWU vice-chancellor and Principal, Prof Bismark Mzubanzi Tyobeka, will deliver an address highlighting the university’s commitment to developing sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking campus environments that enhance the student experience and academic excellence.

Hendrik Esterhuizen, engineer at the NWU and President of HEFMA (2024–2025), says hosting the conference marks a proud moment for the university.

“We are delighted that the NWU will host this important gathering. The conference will not only showcase the university’s infrastructure and innovation but also strengthen collaboration among higher education institutions as we collectively work towards more sustainable and future-ready campuses,” he says.

HEFMA’s vision is to be an association of choice for higher education institutions in Southern Africa, dedicated to advancing best practices in facilities and infrastructure management. Its mission is to empower facilities managers to develop, maintain, and sustain high-quality facilities that support institutional goals and student success.