The North-West University (NWU) continues to build on its reputation as a globally competitive and innovative institution, maintaining its position among the world’s leading universities in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. This achievement reaffirms the standing of the NWU locally and internationally and highlights its consistent pursuit of academic and research excellence. The new strategy of the NWU, Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond, is firmly guiding the institution in its pursuit of distinction.

The Varsity Cup team and Joubert Schoeman were among the many award recipients who received recognition on a night dedicated to excellence and a passion for the game.

Coaches and players traded boots for formal wear on Monday night as the North-West University (NWU) Rugby Institute hosted its year-end function and awards ceremony. Known for their grit on the field, the athletes were now dressed to the nines, celebrating a season of hard work, growth and historic success.

“Rugby is more than a game. It is a reflection of who we are and what we stand for.”

The 2025 North-West University (NWU) Leadership Summit, hosted by the Student Life division, took place on 3 and 4 October at the Stonehenge River Lodge in Parys, paving the way forward for student leadership development.

This year’s theme, “Rooted in Resilience: Go Boldly Through Challenges”, reflected the summit’s mission of sharing knowledge needed for a successful leadership term. Student leaders from all three campuses gained valuable skills that align with the institution’s Student Leadership and Governance objectives and goals.

One of the most influential figures in South Africa’s higher education history, Prof John William Mokone Makhene, was the guest of honour at a high-profile colloquium hosted recently by the North-West University (NWU).

The colloquium, held at the Mmabatho Palms Hotel in Mahikeng on 3 October, had the theme “Academic leadership as a catalyst for transformative change”. It was an apt reminder that visionary leadership can shape entire generations.

For North-West University (NWU) head coach Nkululeko Malgas, history is both a lesson and a motivator. The NWU Eagles thrashed the University of the Free State (UFS) 4-0 at home in last year’s semi-final, but stumbled to a 1-0 loss away this season. Now, with another home semi-final on Thursday, 25 September, he insists the slate is clean.

The North-West University (NWU) Eagles are through to the 2025 Varsity Netball final after defeating the University of Johannesburg (UJ) 58-28 in a commanding semifinal performance on Monday evening, 22 September.

From the first whistle, the NWU asserted themselves with strong defence and quick transitions into attack. Their intensity forced UJ to work hard for every chance, while the Eagles converted their opportunities efficiently to take a 14-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In a battle of experience versus youth, the North-West University (NWU) Eagles emerged triumphant on Saturday, 20 September, with a well-matched 23-16 victory over Pirates Rugby Club, claiming the 2025 Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge title. The intense physicality of the match was reflected in the scoreboard, with both teams giving their all.

Pirates piled on the pressure in the opening minutes of the game and converted a penalty kick to take an early lead. The Eagles levelled the score at the five-minute mark of the game through a superb penalty kick from Divan du Toit.

As was widely expected, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) decided (by a 4 to 2 vote) on 18 September to again pause its interest rate easing cycle for now.

In commenting on this decision, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says the MPC saw the risks around the inflation outlook as being balanced, and inflation as now being contained.

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” Desmond Tutu.

Community engagement is about people meeting people and sharing knowledge. It is done to touch lives, strengthen human connections, and remind us that learning has its deepest meaning when it serves others. Helping others is not just an act; it is a gift of compassion and a quiet way to leave the world better than we found it.