From selling tekkies to award-winning lecturer

Dr Thulisile Bhuda once stood behind the counter at a Tekkie Town store in in a mall, ringing up customers’ purchases. Now, years later, she stands in front of a lecture hall of students at the University of Mpumalanga, sharing her knowledge of culture and heritage, with a PhD in indigenous knowledge from the North-West University (NWU) behind…

Alumni reunion strengthens ties

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Alumni Relations section, in collaboration with the Faculty of Theology, recently hosted a vibrant Theology reunion at the Vanderbijlpark Campus’s Tsebonokeng Hall, providing an excellent opportunity for alumni to reconnect and learn about the latest developments at the university.

Zanele Ngobese,…

South Africa is at a crossroads: Time to restore faith

South Africa is at a breaking point. The political landscape is shifting, economic pressures are mounting, and trust in government is waning. Dr Sysman Motloung, a political analyst and academic at North-West University (NWU), has spent years studying the nation’s fractures: how power is won, wielded, and too often…

GNU Budget should support growth-enhancing measures

The fourth quarter (4Q) gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures that were released on 4 March are positive, but the mild recovery in the GDP in the 4Q of 2024 again confirms that the Government of National Unity (GNU) is right to have set much higher inclusive growth and stronger job creation as South Africa’s key…

Seminar explores socio-political dynamics

The School of Government Studies at the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a thought-provoking discussion on the dynamics of urban conflict in South Africa, featuring conflict resolution expert Andre Vlok. Dr Seshupo Mosala, a lecturer in the School of Government Studies, and Katlego Mbali Sekwele, part-time lecturer at Vuselela TVET…

Faculty of Engineering and Language Directorate celebrate International Mother Language Day

By Kangwa Nkonde

On 21 February 2025, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Engineering, in collaboration with the NWU Language Directorate, celebrated International Mother Language Day.

Observed annually on 21 February, this global event promotes the recognition of linguistic and cultural…

A second chance for aspiring engineers: NWU welcomes 2025 Xcel students

For many aspiring engineers, the disappointment of not qualifying for admission can feel overwhelming. Failing to meet the requirements in key subjects such as mathematics and physical sciences can dash hopes. However, those determined to pursue their dreams now have a lifeline through the North-West University’s (NWU) Xcel programme.

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Study reveals shifting portrayals of women in South African advertisements.

Television advertisements influence how society views gender roles, and a new study from North-West University (NWU) explores how women are represented in South African adverts. The research, conducted by Koketso Rabanye from the NWU’s School of Communication, examined both traditional and changing portrayals of women in the media.

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Study explores bacteria in plants as a new source of medicine

Instead of further depleting overharvested indigenous plants for medicinal purposes, it might be possible to use the bacteria inside their roots. This would preserve at-risk plants while still allowing access to the medicinal properties associated with them.

A master’s study by Benedict Ndou, a researcher and a PhD candidate at North-…

Academic weighs in on possibility of South Africa losing AGOA trade benefits

The trade relationship between South Africa and the United States (US) faces uncertainty as tensions between Pretoria and Washington grow. The potential loss of benefits under the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) raises concerns about economic consequences for key industries.

"If South Africa loses AGOA benefits, the impact…