Awards and accolades

NWU captain Aphelele Sibisi crowned North West Sport Star of the Year

The historic rise of the North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute into professional football has earned another milestone after captain Aphelele Sibisi was named the 2026 North West Sport Star of the Year at the 10th North West Sports Awards held at the Sun City Superbowl on Saturday, 1 August 2026.

The award, determined through a public vote, was in recognition of his performances and leadership during the first half of the season.

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NWU students win seven out of 13 awards at the 2026 South African Institute of Physics conference

By Michelle Hammann

The 70th annual South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) awards ceremony took place at the University of the Western Cape from 6 to 10 July 2026. The North-West University (NWU) took home seven out of 13 prestigious student awards for presentations in the fields of space science and astrophysics. 

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Academic receives global environmental science honour

A North-West University (NWU) researcher has joined a group of scientists recognised for shaping environmental science across the world.

Prof. Victor Wepener was named a recipient of the 2026 Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Fellow Award during a recent event in the Netherlands. The award recognises sustained contributions to environmental science, research leadership and societal impact.

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CBMI Prestige Awards celebrate the brightest analytical minds

The Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics (CBMI) at the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted its impressive CBMI Prestige Awards, celebrating academic excellence, resilience and innovation among students in the fields of actuarial science, business analytics, quantitative risk management and financial mathematics.

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Prof. Olubukola Babalola ranked among world’s leading plant scientists

Prof. Olubukola Oluranti Babalola from the North-West University (NWU) has been recognised among the world’s leading researchers in plant science and agronomy after being ranked 448th globally and fifth in South Africa in the 2026 edition of the Research.com rankings.

Prof. Babalola, who is based on the Mahikeng Campus, also received the 2026 Research.com Plant Science and Agronomy in South Africa Leader Award in recognition of her contribution to research in the field.

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Congratulations Dr Rassie on receiving the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold

When Dr Rassie Erasmus walked onto the stage at the North-West University (NWU) in 2024 to receive an honorary doctorate, it was not only recognition of a rugby coach. It was recognition of a leader who helped shape moments that united a country and reminded South Africans of what can still be achieved when belief, resilience and shared purpose come together.

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Athletes secure medals at USSA Championships

North-West University (NWU) athletes delivered medal performances at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) championships after managing tactical races, injuries and recovery during the national university competition.

NWU athlete Andrea Steynberg earned bronze in the women’s 800 m final after moving up from sixth position in the closing stages of the race.

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