Menu Close

Nelson Mandela University

Nelson Mandela University, as a dynamic African University, is committed to excellence and innovation, and fostering a pioneering and inventive spirit among our students and scholars. It is a University that acts as a social laboratory for experimentation, innovation and creativity to find answers to epic challenges facing society and the economy today.

NMU recently established and launched a number of research hubs such as the Centre for Broadband Communication to conduct pioneering research around optical fibre data transport for the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope; an innovation hub to support small business in Port Elizabeth and beyond; a Centre for African Palaeoscience; and a Research Chair in Earth Systems Science. More exciting is the development currently underway of a range of new maritime and marine education and training, research, innovation and engagement programmes to support South Africa and the continent’s blue economy initiatives.

Links

Displaying 121 - 140 of 143 articles

South African National Defence Force soldiers help to unload maize for flood victims in. Mozambique. Reuters

Why South Africa’s plans to militarise humanitarian work are misguided

The South African military’s capabilities for socio-economic development are questionable, even in its own country. The force is in critical decline, but is expected to aid humanitarian efforts.
Jon Stewart with Trevor Noah at the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Governors Ball in Los Angeles, California recently. Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

The Trevor Noah phenomenon: young, black South Africans are standing up

The Trevor Noah phenomenon speaks to an influential comedic revolution that is happening in South Africa. Its comics operate in an increasingly complex, high-risk and conflict-intense society.
Young South Africans are angry with the failure of the country to deal with racism. Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko

Getting to grips with why race is still a divisive issue in South Africa

The central thrust of Haffajee’s book is compelling. It argues that black South Africans, especially the new generation of young, black ‘born frees’ are obsessed with whiteness and white privilege.
Most student protests in South Africa during 2015 have been peaceful and organised, but there have been moments of violent confrontation. REUTERS/Sydney Seshibedi

Student protests in South Africa have pitted reform against revolution

Two narratives have emerged from student protests in South Africa: reform on the one hand - and revolution on the other. Which narrative will triumph?
There has been a global outpouring of grief and support for Parisians after the terror attacks in the city. EPA/Raminder Pal Singh

What lies behind different reactions to Paris and Beirut attacks

In the next few weeks we may see a resurgence of rhetoric calling for more resources to fight the War on Terror following the Paris attacks. Islamophobia may take deeper root in Europe as a whole.
Xenophobia is a huge problem in South Africa. Could better university teaching about Africa make a difference? Reuters

Teaching students about Africa may be one way to stem xenophobia

South African university students are as guilty of xenophobia as anyone else. Three approaches through teaching and research could make a huge difference.
21 years into democracy, are South Africa’s university students showing other citizens how best to hold the state accountable? EPA/Ihsaan Haffejee

University students are becoming a new kind of democratic citizen

University students in South Africa have shown the potential of mass mobilisation to influence policy in advancing justice for their constitutional democratic rights.
The aftermath of an Israeli air strike on Gaza’s Islamic University. Higher education systems often become casualties of war. EPA/Mohammed Saber

How to rebuild higher education in countries torn apart by war

Quality higher education is crucial for recovery, peace-building, economic development and stronger governance in post-conflict societies.
A man walks among crosses outside Pretoria, South Africa, representing farmers killed in violent attacks. Reuters/Juda Ngwenya

Illegal guns fuel violent crime, wreak deadly havoc in South Africa

South Africa’s homicide rates have declined consistently since democracy, but remain among the highest in the world. They are about four times the global average at more than 30 per 100,000 people.
South Africa could grow by developing its oceans economy. The starting point is to build the skills that are required by the industry. Shutterstock

What South Africa can do to harness a neglected resource – its oceans

South Africa’s oceans economy can contribute R177 billion to the GDP and create up to one million new jobs by 2033. But this requires more skilled people to drive the growth.
Supporters of the Congress of South African Trade Unions march in the streets of Johannesburg. Economic freedom has eluded the majority of South Africans. Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters

South Africa: why economic freedom is proving to be the ANC’s undoing

Economic transformation of unequal societies in a democratising context is difficult. This requires a creative mix of policy options underpinned by a commitment to social justice.
Students protest at South Africa’s Stellenbosch University demanding the right to be taught in English rather than Afrikaans, which they identify with apartheid. Reuters/Mike Hutchings

Universities need to manage hate speech, not stifle freedom of expression

The university should be the bastion of the right to free expression in the promotion of democracy, and has a moral and ethical obligation to provide spaces for fierce debate and critical engagement.

Authors

More Authors