Institutional News

NWU commits to helping power Africa’s hydrogen future

As the world accelerates its transition towards cleaner and more secure energy systems, Africa – and South Africa in particular – cannot afford to be spectators. Green hydrogen presents a unique opportunity to strengthen energy security, drive industrial growth, create skilled jobs and position the continent as a future leader in the global low-carbon economy. A sustained commitment to hydrogen research today could unlock long-term economic and environmental benefits for generations to come.

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Africa’s hurdle queen is driven by self-belief

Rogail Joseph discovered her love for athletics in the streets of Rodewal in Worcester, and has always believed that she could achieve anything. Now, as a South African 400 m hurdler and Olympic semi-finalist, it is her dedication and self-confidence that have paved her way to the world’s biggest sporting stage.

She became a running sensation at the age of 16, competing in the 2016 400 m hurdles U/16 Championships in Germiston and the 200 metres heat at the National Secondary Schools Championships in Bloemfontein. From there, her success on the track took off.

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New leadership at the helm of the NWU Council

The North-West University (NWU) Council unanimously elected a new chairperson and deputy chairperson at its Council meeting on Thursday, 18 June 2026.

René Kenosi, a qualified chartered accountant with more than 30 years’ experience in governance, risk management, audit and counter corruption, is the new chairperson, and Pastor Piet Maleme Tlhabanyane, a seasoned faith leader and community development practitioner, will serve as deputy chairperson.

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Why South Africans are staying away from the polls

South Africa's voter turnout has been falling for more than two decades, even as the country's electoral system was designed to broaden political participation. New research by Dr Naledi Modise, Political Science and International Relations lecturer at the North-West University (NWU), suggests that the decline is not only a matter of voter attitudes, but also a consequence of how the country's electoral institutions function

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Best Practice Teaching and Learning conference highlights innovation and student success

The North-West University (NWU) held its yearly conference about good teaching and learning practices at the Emerald Hotel in Vanderbijlpark on 26 and 27 May 2026.

The main theme was "Rethinking Teaching, Learning, and Assessment: Helping Students Succeed in the Digital Age”. This event gathered academia, educators and learning experts to look at new ways to teach in universities.

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Positioning our youth for the future of work through education, industry and collaboration

South Africa's most recent employment statistics present a dismal image in a nation where millions of people wake up every morning yearning for a chance to work.

The official unemployment rate has increased to 32.7%, according to the most recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the first quarter of 2026. This means that almost one in three South Africans who are economically active are unemployed. Approximately 8.1 million people are unemployed overall, and the expanded unemployment rate which takes discouraged job seekers into account has risen to an alarming 43.7%.

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From a dream to reality: NWU Eagles secure promotion and a place in the national final

When the NWU Eagles team from the NWU Soccer Institute arrived in Mthatha for the 2026 ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs, the mission was clear. Four matches stood between the North West champions and a place in professional football.

On Saturday afternoon, that mission became reality.

The NWU defeated KwaZulu-Natal champions Mkhambathi FC 2-1 in a tense semi-final to secure promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship and book a place in the national final.

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90 minutes from the First Division: NWU chases historic promotion

The North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute is just 90 minutes away from securing its place in South African professional football.

After topping Group A of the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs in Mthatha, the North West champions have booked a semi-final showdown against KwaZulu-Natal champions Mkhambathi FC, with promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship at stake.

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