Human rights defender delivers guest lecture

As the world struggles with the degeneration of democracy and the increasing political dissatisfaction, human rights activism has never been more important. This was the message delivered by human-rights defender Mary Pais during her recent guest lecture on honouring human rights at the North-West University (NWU). Titled “The State of Human…

Seminar: paving the way towards an international career with IEC

The Faculty of Humanities of the NWU recently hosted a seminar aimed at graduates and final-year students who are eager to explore international work and travel opportunities. The Faculty has a strong relationship with the Intercultural Education Corporation (IEC), who sent a delegation to South Africa to share first-hand insight into the Work…

For the love of the language: Master’s-degree student to write entire dissertation in Setswana

By Gofaone Motsamai

Master’s degree student Otsile Emily Moatshe from the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area of the North-West University (NWU) is advancing the role of Setswana in academic research.

She is the first student at ILMA to write a master’s-degree dissertation…

Scientific diagnosis takes the guesswork out of disease control

A disease without a diagnosis is a battle fought in the dark. Without precise diagnostic tools, treatment decisions become guesswork, prevention efforts lack direction and disease control remains ineffective. This was the core message of Prof Oriel Thekisoe’s inaugural lecture at the North-West University (NWU).

“Diagnosis is the…

A reflection on the state of social work in South Africa

As we consider the urgent issues confronting social work in South Africa, it is evident that the profession is at a crucial turning point. On 18 March we commemorate World Social Work Day, and this year’s theme – “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Well-being” – serves as a timely reminder of the vital role that social…

North-West University and Agricultural Research Council Co-Hosts 2025 NGRP Annual Meeting

Food security, climate change and sustainability. These are some of the issues that will take centre stage from 19 to 20 March when the North-West University (NWU) and Agricultural Research Council (ARC) will be co-hosting the 2025 National Grain Research Programme (NGRP) Annual Meeting, themed Farming 2.0: Smarter & Greener.

This…

Dr Masego Matjila’s fight to keep Setswana alive

For decades Dr Masego Ezekiel “Easy” Matjila’s voice has carried the baton of the Setswana language in the hope of handing it over to the younger generation. This message came across loud and clear at a recent event at the North-West University (NWU).

On 13 March 2025, he shared his journey in Setswana broadcasting at the annual public…

First-of-its-kind hunting study sheds light on hunters’ perspective

• Hunters, especially international hunters, believe that they benefit local communities.

• International hunters spend up to four times more per visit than local hunters.

• International hunters perceive their impact to be greater than local hunters.

• The perspective of the local community is still missing.

The…

Students nominated for national science education awards

Two North-West University (NWU) students, Makatu Mashanyu and Fhatani Munwana, have been nominated for the national ACCESS Habitable Planet Workshop (HPW) annual awards. These nominations recognise their contributions to science education and environmental initiatives.

The awards, hosted by ACCESS – the Alliance for Collaboration on…

QS rankings place four NWU subject groups among the top globally

The North-West University (NWU) continues to shine in international rankings. The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject place four of the NWU’s subject groups in the top 850 globally, with one of these featuring in the 301 to 350 ranking category. The subject groups are agriculture, environmental sciences,…