Zimbabwe’s constitutional amendments: Stability or entrenchment?

By Adv. Mpho Justice Khoza

Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has approved draft legislation proposing two major constitutional changes: extending the presidential term from five to seven years and replacing direct presidential elections with selection by Parliament. Framed as governance reforms, the proposals have triggered debate about democratic…

Collaboration brings meals to first-year students

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

During registration and orientation at the start of the 2026 academic year, first-year students at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus received meals through a collaboration between the Students’ Campus Council (SCC) and private sector donors.

Together, the SCC and…

Second Smart Village dialogue aims for implementation

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

A renewed push to translate indigenous knowledge (IK) into practical rural development will take centre stage when stakeholders gather for the Second Smart Village conference in Nyandeni in the Eastern Cape.

Being held under the theme “Towards an indigenous knowledge-based smart…

The President’s annual national address: Was this another box-ticking exercise?

by Oscar Mosiane

Section 84(d) of the Constitution vests in the President the authority to convene both Houses of Parliament for a special sitting, a power that is generally interpreted as encompassing, by implication, the delivery of the State of the Nation Address. On Thursday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa carried out the annual presidential ritual of…

Hundzula retreat seeks practical digital solutions for low-resource African language

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

If African languages are to thrive in a digital world, it is essential that these languages be part of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution sweeping society.

Natural language processing, which enables computers to understand, interpret and generate human language, could play a…

Biochemistry PhD student secures MAECI fellowship at the University of Urbino

deur Mafumane Tlhapi

Ndivhuwo Muvhulawa, a PhD student in Biochemistry at the North-West University (NWU), Mahikeng Campus, received a fellowship from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to conduct research at the Università degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo from January to September.

Ndivhuwo is under the supervision of Professor SE…

A cleaner way to turn plant waste into fuel

deur Mafumane Tlhapi

Plant waste is everywhere, in harvested fields, forestry sites and processing plants. A new study argues it could play a bigger role in the energy economy if it can be processed in a cleaner way.

Prof Indra Bahadur, a chemist at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU), has published a review article in Chemical Reviews (…

Khayalethu Residence cleans Mahikeng Primary School at 131-year mark

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Leaving their books and computers on campus, students from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus picked up brooms and refuse bags and headed into the community.

At they entered the gates of Mahikeng Primary on 13 February, they rolled up their sleeves and marked the…

Duty-free access to China opens door for South African exports but risks remain

deur Phenyo Mokgothu

South Africa’s exporters may soon find a wider door opening in Beijing, but whether they can fully walk through it will depend on preparation at home. China’s move to allow duty-free imports on selected South African products signals stronger economic ties, yet it is no silver bullet for broader trade challenges.

According to North-West…

Alumnus appointed division head at UK law firm

deur Phenyo Mokgothu

North-West University (NWU) alumnus Thato Mashishi has been appointed head of the corporate and commercial division at Berwins Solicitors Limited in the United Kingdom (UK), marking a significant career milestone.

Thato joined Berwins in November 2025 and took over leadership of the firm’s business arm from founder Paul Berwin as the…