Mahikeng Campus News

How second-hand clothing paved the way for senior lecturer’s career

By Gofaone Motsamai

The road from Kagiso, where she sold second-hand clothing under the scorching Gauteng sun, to the lecture halls of North-West University (NWU) was long, bumpy and deeply personal for Dr Salphinah Vuloyimuni Ubisi.

Now a senior lecturer in the subject group Public Administration and Local Government at the NWU, Dr Ubisi’s story began in hardship and determination. “The money generated from selling old clothes became my main source of income and this provided the core finance for my studies.”.

Her entry into the jumble sale… Read more

Itumeleng Bahetane – from campus radio to regional SABC leadership

by Oscar Mosiane

“Let your work speak for you.” This quiet conviction guides Itumeleng Bahetane, an accomplished broadcaster, academic and media strategist and proud North-West University (NWU) alumnus.

From his early days behind a radio mic in Mahikeng to leading regional operations for the SABC in North West, Bahetane’s journey is a story of vision,…

Livestock farming under pressure as SA balances food security and emissions

by Phenyo Mokgothu

Livestock farming feeds millions of South Africans, but it also leaves a carbon footprint that cannot be ignored. North-West University (NWU) animal scientist Prof Kenny Mnisi says the challenge is finding the balance between sustaining households and tackling climate change.

Many farmers, however, are unaware of this link. Prof Mnisi…

Alumnus Tshegofatso Ramokopeloa – a trailblazer in law and African spirituality

by Oscar Mosiane

“Tempus tuum adest – Your time has arrived.”

This powerful Latin phrase is not just a motto for Tshegofatso Ramokopeloa, it is the guiding principle of her life and career.

Born and raised in the heart of Mabeskraal village, Tshegofatso proudly identifies herself as ngwanyana wa Motlhako, the only daughter in a family of six…

Study sheds light on community perceptions of mental health care

By Gofaone Motsamai

With fewer than half the people requiring treatment for mental health getting it, traditional healers could be the answer to South Africa’s pressing mental health challenges.

This is one the findings of Goratileona Mashishi’s master’s study on the perceptions of Mahikeng community…

TRACTOR Awareness Rally departs: a journey of memory, hope and community

by Angeline Marokoane

On a bright and sunny Saturday morning, 30 August 2025, the grounds of the Samuel Broadbent House in Potchefstroom became the starting point of a remarkable journey. The TRACTOR Awareness Rally (Together Rallying Across Communities To Overcome Remembrance-loss) began its 1 900-kilometre trip with an emotional departure.

The morning’s…

Musician flies flag for African unity

by Phenyo Mokgothu

When Nigerian superstar Davido stepped out on stage at the Scorpion Kings and Friends concert in Pretoria in a custom-made biker jacket adorned with the South African flag, he drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. It was a wardrobe choice that stretched beyond fashion or performance.

Davido, who expressed his love for South Africa on…

Professor honoured for mental health advocacy

by Phenyo Mokgothu

Prof Leepile Sehularo, director of the Lifestyle Diseases research focus area at the North-West University (NWU), has been recognised for his efforts in calling for more mental health research and better support systems.

He received the Positive Mental Health Advocate Award at The Big Up Awards on 23 August.

The Big Up Awards…

Indigenous languages bring meaning to health care messaging

By Gofaone Motsamai

When Perpetual Umeaku realised that many communities lacked access to health information in a language they could understand, she set out to challenge the status quo and started exploring indigenous languages in health communication.

This focus led her to win the Doctoral Poster…

Postgraduate student takes up leadership role at Gaetsho Secondary School

by Mafumane Tlhapi

The North-West University (NWU) continues to shape leaders who make an impact in education. Bongani Steven Dhlamini, an NWU postgraduate student, has been appointed as the new departmental head for Setswana and Creative Arts at the Gaetsho Secondary School in the Boikhutso Township in Lichtenburg.

Reflecting on the promotion, Bongani…

Goalkeeper coach instils mentality of success

by Phenyo Mokgothu

Consistency, hard work, teamwork and mental strength are the qualities that make a football team stand out, says Ludwe Mpakumpaku, goalkeeper coach of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Varsity Football team.

Ludwe knows what it means to achieve the extraordinary. As former captain of TS Galaxy, he led his side to the historic 2019…