Humanities News

Public lecture urges renewed commitment to preserving indigenous languages

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

In a world wired for global communication, local languages are falling silent.

This was the stark message during a recent public lecture hosted at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, where policymakers and scholars addressed the growing threat to…

Dark skies and indigenous knowledge of astronomy are vital for astro-tourism to prosper

A passionate call has been made to integrate indigenous knowledge of astronomy into the development of responsible astro-tourism – also known as dark sky tourism – in South Africa.

“Including the diverse cultural perspectives of our understanding of the night sky will provide a holistic interpretation of our universe and pique the…

Using technology to support learning

By Gofaone Motsamai

The role of technology in education took centre stage on 19 March 2025 when the Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU) hosted a presentation on using digital tools to enhance learning

The event, facilitated by Prof Mpho Chaka, deputy dean for teaching and learning,…

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…

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…

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…

Renowned broadcaster shares industry insights with NWU students

By Keaoleboga Motshabi and Phenyo Mokgothu

Renowned radio broadcaster and cultural advocate Lucky Tlale, widely known as Hala Hala LTK, recently visited the School of Communication at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus to share insights with undergraduate broadcasting students.

With a…

Inaugural lecture explores laughter as protest in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe’s evolving political landscape, where promises of reform have yet to materialise, one unexpected force has emerged – comedy.

While official narratives speak of progress, social media tells a different story, one shaped by satire, memes and skits that turn national struggles into humour. But in a country where dissent carries…

The fragile state of South Africa’s political and economic landscape: What to do?

Uncertainty springs eternal in the South African political landscape, or so it would seem. The Government of National Unity (GNU) has yet to find its feet, and cohesion has not been one of its hallmarks.

According to Professor Kedibone Phago, Director of the School for Government Studies at the North-West University (NWU), there is much…

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…