Latest news with #NorthWestUniversity
TimesLIVE
16-07-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
'The rifle is boosting South Africa's rural economy': NWU study on hunting tourism
Hunting tourism may not be everyone's idea of a sustainable economy, yet, in South Africa's post-pandemic landscape, it is delivering where others have faltered. It supports rural economies, funds conservation and employs tens of thousands of people, many of them low-skill workers with few alternatives. This is according to a North West University (NWU) study led by Prof Peet van der Merwe and Prof Andrea Saayman, titled 'Assessing the contributions of hunting tourism to the South African economy: a post‑Covid analysis'. They calculate hunting tourism's annual contribution to South Africa's economy at about R44.03bn. Local hunters, who constitute mostly middle-aged men from provinces such as Gauteng, make up most of this economic activity. With each local hunter spending an average of R64,410 per season, their collective annual spend tops R12.86bn. International hunters, often affluent retirees from the US, spend far more per trip — an average of R585,375 — mainly on game, trophies, accommodation and daily rates. Though fewer in number, their spending adds another R3.02bn to the tally. But the significance goes beyond raw expenditure. Employing a social accounting matrix, the researchers found a production multiplier of 2.97. In lay terms: for every $1 (R17.92) spent, an additional $1.97 (R35.30) is generated in economic activity. The ripple effect spreads across agriculture, trade, accommodation, transport and personal services. Perhaps the most striking finding is employment. About 95,000 jobs in South Africa depend on hunting tourism. Many of these roles such as trackers, farm hands and cleaners require limited formal education, making the sector a vital source of income in a country grappling with a 32.9% unemployment rate. More than 60% of these jobs fall within low-skilled categories, underscoring hunting tourism's outsize impact on South Africa's most vulnerable workers. Hunting tourism's lifeblood flows into rural economies, often bypassed by mainstream tourism. Provinces such as Limpopo benefit enormously from the inflow, with private game farms — many converted from struggling livestock operations — thriving through sustainable use. Notably, South Africa's wildlife population on private land now exceeds that in national parks and the study argues hunting revenue has underwritten significant rewilding efforts. The researchers also point to a powerful conservation dividend. Contrary to popular belief, regulated hunting creates financial incentives for landowners to protect and repopulate wild species. Without such incentives, many might revert to traditional farming, leading to habitat loss and diminished biodiversity. To some, hunting remains morally fraught, but the study emphasises economic survival for many rural communities hinges on this industry. Importantly, the research does not gloss over ethical concerns. Instead, it calls for measured policy, recognising hunting tourism's proven contribution to jobs, conservation and poverty alleviation. Moreover, the sector's resilience post-Covid is telling. As international travel resumes, South Africa has found in hunting tourism a niche that not only endures but thrives. It speaks to a broader shift in post-pandemic tourism: towards immersive, exclusive and, at times, controversial experiences. With sectors such as agriculture, hospitality and logistics feeding off the hunting economy, the study urges policymakers to acknowledge and protect this value chain. Legislation around land use, conservation and hunting quotas must be grounded in economic realities, not just ideological preferences. Missteps could jeopardise wildlife and livelihoods. In a world seeking green growth with social equity, the rifle may be a more unexpected ally than critics care to admit.
Mail & Guardian
16-07-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
R44 billion: The big bucks of hunting tourism
* Approximately 95 000 jobs in South Africa depend on hunting tourism.* Hunting tourism contributes USD2.5 billion, or about R44.03 billion to South Africa's economy. * Hunting tourism massively benefits rural communities.* South Africa's wildlife population on private land exceeds that in national parks. Amid global debates on ethical travel and wildlife preservation, a new study from North-West University shines a spotlight on an often-overlooked sector that quietly props up South Africa's rural economy: hunting tourism. In the aftermath of COVID-19, tourism economies the world over struggled to recover. But in South Africa, hunting tourism, both domestic and international trophy hunting, has not only rebounded, it has emerged as a critical economic driver. A new study led by Prof Peet van der Merwe and Prof Andrea Saayman from the North-West University, titled: Assessing the contributions of hunting tourism to the South African economy: a post‑COVID analysis , calculates hunting tourism's annual contribution to South Africa's economy at a staggering USD2.5 billion, or about R44.03 billion. The figure is not just large, it's transformative. Local hunters, who constitutes mostly middle-aged men from provinces like Gauteng, make up the bulk of this economic activity. With each local hunter spending an average of USD3 594 per season, their collective annual spend tops USD718 million. International hunters, often affluent retirees from the United States, spend far more per trip – an average of USD32 663 – primarily on game, trophies, accommodation and daily rates. Though fewer in number, their spending adds another USD169 million to the tally. But the significance goes beyond raw expenditure. Employing a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM), the researchers found a production multiplier of 2.97. In lay terms: for every USD1 spent, an additional USD1.97 is generated in economic activity. The ripple effect spreads across agriculture, trade, accommodation, transport and personal services. Perhaps the most striking finding is employment. Approximately 95 000 jobs in South Africa depend on hunting tourism. Many of these roles, such as trackers, farm hands and cleaners, require limited formal education, making the sector a vital source of income in a country grappling with a 32.9% unemployment rate. Over 60% of these jobs fall within low-skilled categories, underscoring hunting tourism's outsized impact on South Africa's most vulnerable workers. Hunting tourism's lifeblood flows into rural economies, often bypassed by mainstream tourism. Provinces like Limpopo benefit enormously from the inflow, with private game farms – many converted from struggling livestock operations – thriving through sustainable use. Notably, South Africa's wildlife population on private land now exceeds that in national parks, and the study argues that hunting revenue has underwritten significant re-wilding efforts. The researchers also point to a powerful conservation dividend. Contrary to popular belief, regulated hunting creates financial incentives for landowners to protect and repopulate wild species. Without such incentives, many might revert to traditional farming, leading to habitat loss and diminished biodiversity. To some, hunting remains morally fraught. But the study emphasises that economic survival for many rural communities hinges on this industry. Importantly, the research does not gloss over ethical concerns. Instead, it calls for measured policy, recognising hunting tourism's proven contribution to jobs, conservation and poverty alleviation. Moreover, the sector's resilience post-COVID is telling. As international travel resumes, South Africa has found in hunting tourism a niche that not only endures but thrives. It speaks to a broader shift in post-pandemic tourism: towards immersive, exclusive and, at times, controversial experiences. With sectors like agriculture, hospitality and logistics all feeding off the hunting economy, the study urges policymakers to acknowledge and protect this value chain. Legislation around land use, conservation and hunting quotas must be grounded in economic realities, not just ideological preferences. Missteps could jeopardise both wildlife and livelihoods. Hunting tourism may not be everyone's idea of a sustainable economy. Yet, in South Africa's post-pandemic landscape, it is delivering where others have faltered. It supports rural economies, funds conservation and employs tens of thousands, many of them low-income workers with few alternatives. In a world seeking green growth with social equity, the rifle may be a more unexpected ally than critics care to admit. • Follow the link to the article here:
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
A hidden threat: Dangerous levels of ARVs found in South Africa's water sources
Researchers from the North West University (NWU) have uncovered a startling discovery in South Africa's water resources. In a report titled: Quantification, fate, and hazard assessment of HIV-ARVs in water resources, the researchers uncovered crucial concentrations of ARVs in water sources, particularly downriver of wastewater treatment plants. Professors Suranie Horn, Rialet Pieters, Henk Bouwman, and Petra Bester were among those on the expert team in the groundbreaking study. The most often found ARVs were lopinavir and efavirenz, with concentrations at several places above worldwide standards. The study found severe implications on aquatic environments and wastewater management systems. Freshwater snails exposed to ARVs showed altered embryonic development, while bacteriophages, viruses that regulate microorganisms in wastewater treatment - were severely affected. Such interruptions might result in bacterial blooms and lowered water quality, the report claimed. "The department is still studying the report and will comment in due course," the media liaison for the Department of Water and Sanitation, Wisane Mavasa told IOL.
eNCA
14-07-2025
- Health
- eNCA
Study detects ARVs in water sources
JOHANNESBURG - Traces of Antiretroval Drugs – ARVs – have been found in South Africa's water sources. And North West University researchers have completed a ground-breaking study that sheds light on the implications.
TimesLIVE
10-07-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Public universities carry cost of broken funding system, says NWU professor
While much attention has been on students left stranded by delays and defunding of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), South Africa's public universities are also taking a huge hit — and few are talking about it. This is according to Prof Linda du Plessis, senior deputy vice-chancellor: teaching and learning at North West University (NWU), who warns that the strain placed on universities by NSFAS and various sector education and training authorities (Setas) is threatening their ability to function, deliver quality education and contribute to national development. 'The dysfunction at the heart of NSFAS and various Setas has been the topic of many recent media articles,' she said. 'This focus is needed as it directly affects the academic journey and future of South Africa's most vulnerable students. However, what continues to receive little or no acknowledgment is the burden these failures place on the very institutions tasked with delivering quality higher education: the public universities,' said Du Plessis. According to Du Plessis, universities have for years had to absorb the impact of NSFAS mismanagement, often without being consulted or supported. 'While minister [Nobuhle] Nkabane and her department continue to promise reforms, universities remain on the receiving end of a crumbling system that is fast becoming unsustainable — not just for students, but for the institutions themselves.'
