By Gofaone Motsamai
The Khayalethu Residence at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted an academic symposium aimed at empowering students with knowledge on research, artificial intelligence (AI) and entrepreneurship.
The event provided a platform for students to engage with experts in various fields, gaining insight into emerging technologies, business innovation and academic research resources.
AI in academia: embracing the future
Nomzingisi Madikane, manager for research and learning services, highlighted the growing role of AI in academia. She noted that the university is in the process of developing an AI policy to guide its responsible use. “There are so many services that you can leverage through AI. As the university, we are working towards establishing policies that will shape how AI is utilised in academic and media spaces.”
Nomzingisi encouraged students to embrace AI-driven tools for research and learning, while being mindful of ethical considerations. She emphasised that AI can streamline academic processes, making research more efficient and accessible.
Mirenda Hlophe, librarian for research and scholarly communication, provided students with valuable insights into research resources available at the university. She emphasised the importance of utilising faculty librarians for research support, using referencing tools such as EndNote and accessing academic databases.
“You do not necessarily have to visit the library every day, but there are essential services available that can enhance your academic work. Many students do not realise the value of library resources until they need them,” she said.
She also touched on copyright laws, informing students about legal limits on photocopying and the importance of ethical academic practices. “Did you know that you are allowed to copy only 10% of a book? Otherwise, you risk facing legal consequences,” she cautioned.
Entrepreneurship and innovation: the digital age approach
The symposium also featured an entrepreneurial session where speakers shared their experiences on leveraging technology for business success.
Tebogo Masobe, an incumbent at the Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub and the founder of Sobaestro Café, detailed how technology has revolutionised his business operations, particularly in agriculture. He introduced an innovative farming solution that uses 90% less water than conventional irrigation systems. “I automated my farm so that even when I am not physically present, I can control it remotely using my smartphone. With this system, I can monitor operations, regulate water usage and reduce labour costs,” Tebogo explained.
He also introduced students to the concept of a hackathon, a three-day event where aspiring entrepreneurs collaborate to develop viable business solutions. “The world is moving fast, and we need solutions now. Hackathons accelerate innovation by allowing participants to turn ideas into businesses within three days,” he added.
Mpho Moloko, the founder of Mega G Techniques, addressed students on the importance of protecting intellectual property, particularly in the fields of music and education. He emphasised the complexities of commercialising creative content and the need for a strong business model. “It is not just about having an idea – it is about understanding how to protect and market it effectively. There are multiple steps, including copyrighting, referencing and assessing market potential, before a product can be commercially viable.”
Nomzingisi Madikane, manager for research and learning services, and Mirenda Hlophe, librarian for research and scholarly communication, share their knowledge and expertise.
