North-West University (NWU), established on 1 January 2004 through the merger of the University of North-West, Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, and Vista University’s Sebokeng Campus, symbolizes reconciliation and nation-building. This successful merger has led to financial stability, improved student success rates, and increased research output.
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Professors Van Aswegen and Drewes Lead Groundbreaking Research on Regional Policy in the SADC
Prof Mariske van Aswegen and Prof Ernst Drewes from North-West University (NWU) are making a significant impact on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) through their pioneering work in regional policy. As editors of the recently published book Regional Policy in the Southern African Development Community, these two scholars are shedding new light on how regional cooperation can transform the future of southern Africa. Their research addresses the need for sustainable development, economic integration, and improved cross-border collaboration in a region that has long lacked coherent policy frameworks.
Meet the Editors
Prof Mariske van Aswegen is an extraordinary professor at the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM) at NWU. With 20 years of academic experience, she has become a leading voice in regional strategic planning and resilience in peripheral regions. Prof Van Aswegen is a qualified and professionally registered urban and regional planner with the South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN). Her research focuses on practical, real-world solutions for sustainable development across southern Africa.
Prof Ernst Drewes brings 30 years of experience in urban and regional planning to his role as a professor in the School of Geo and Spatial Sciences. He specializes in regional development and is a registered professional with SACPLAN. Prof Drewes is also an accredited commercial mediator with a focus on property development mediation, making him a key figure in shaping regional planning and infrastructure projects. His contributions to the field have been instrumental in promoting sustainable, long-term growth within the SADC.
Driving Regional Policy Forward
The book edited by Van Aswegen and Drewes is a comprehensive examination of regional policy in the SADC. It addresses three crucial areas: policy, physical and structural frameworks, and economic and trade perspectives. Through their leadership, the book presents solutions for improving regional collaboration, fostering trade interdependency, and building a more cohesive economic framework among the member states of the SADC.
Prof Van Aswegen and Prof Drewes have worked tirelessly to ensure that regional policy planning becomes a priority for southern African nations. Their contributions aim to fill a gap in the SADC’s approach to policy, providing strategic thinking that takes into account the unique challenges faced by each country in the region. The editors also emphasize the importance of regional infrastructure development as a critical tool for boosting economic cooperation and resilience.
Expanding the Global South’s Voice
One of the key goals of this research is to amplify the voice of the Global South in discussions on spatial economic development. Van Aswegen and Drewes are passionate about encouraging greater cross-border collaboration and providing solutions for inter- and intra-regional challenges. Their work offers fresh perspectives on how to create resilient policies that can drive both economic growth and sustainable development across southern Africa.
Their efforts to promote cross-border collaboration, sustainability, and regional resilience will have lasting impacts on southern Africa’s development trajectory.
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