Mahikeng Campus News

Meet NWU Mahikeng’s table tennis trailblazer

A skin problem turned from an obstacle into an opportunity for Thamia Kganedi, the USSA Table Tennis captain and NWU honours student in Human Movement Science.

Thamia could not play outdoor sports due to a skin condition and had a burning passion to participate in sport to channel her energy into a positive outlet. Her life changed in 2014 when she was introduced to table tennis as an eager Grade 6 learner who noticed the game through a window with her friends at Bopanang Primary School in Monsterlus, Limpopo. They immediately… Read more

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…

Guest lecture unpacks the causes of municipal infrastructure decay

by Mafumane Tlhapi

Is the decay of municipal infrastructure in South Africa the result of poor monitoring and evaluation, poor planning, or deeper systemic issues? This was the central question posed by Dr Robert Nkuna during his guest lecture on Friday, 15 August 2025, at the School of Government Studies at the North-West University (NWU).

Dr Nkuna, who…

Dr Rorisang Machailo named finalist in 2025 HEWL Awards

by Zenoyise John

Dr Rorisang Machailo, senior lecturer and deputy director at the School of Nursing at the North-West University (NWU), has been recognised as a top 3 finalist in the Women in Academic Administration category of the 2025 Higher Education Women Leaders (HEWL) Awards.

This honour highlights her outstanding leadership and dedication to…

Voices of empowerment take centre stage at Women’s Month event

By Nikelo Mehlomakulu

The bold march by 20 000 women against apartheid laws in 1956 is still reverberating today. That march was the inspiration behind the Women’s Month event that the North-West University’s School of Governance hosted at the Mahikeng Campus on 21 August.

The event commemorated the 1956…