Mahikeng Campus News
Neglect of indigenous languages amounts to a betrayal of revolutionary ideals
Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe
Once seen as a bastion of multiracial, multicultural and multilingual values, South Africa now stands accused of turning its back on the very linguistic and cultural diversity that made it a symbol of unity.
This was the cautionary message from Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe, a full professor affiliated with the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research focus area of the North-West University (NWU). He who warned that the country’s failure to prioritise indigenous languages mirrors a broader erosion of… Read more
Veteran broadcaster to share his journey in Setswana broadcasting during public lecture
The Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research entity at the North-West University (NWU) will host its annual public lecture at the Mahikeng Campus on 13 March 2025.
The lecture will focus on the role of indigenous languages in media, with veteran broadcaster and NWU honorary doctorate recipient Dr Masego Ezekiel “Easy” Matjila…
Eden Roots donation will enhance research in beekeeping
By Gofaone Motsamai and Oscar Mosiane
In a significant step towards advancing agricultural research and community development, Eden Roots – a bee farming enterprise based in Tloung Village, Mahikeng – donated a honey extractor to the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Crop Science subject group on 28 February 2025…
Botswana urges fellow African nations to bolster regional trade
Despite its vast resources and production capacity, Africa remains heavily reliant on external markets. This state of affairs has prompted Botswana to raise the alarm about low levels of intra-African trade.
“It's disheartening that Africa is still unable to realise trade among its countries,” said Dr Phenyo Butale, Botswana’s Minister…
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…
NWU Soccer Institute strengthens squad with experienced winger
The North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute has reinforced its squad by re-signing a seasoned winger with top-flight and lower-division experience in South Africa and Botswana,Orebotse Mongae.
Mongae previously represented the NWU, returns to bolster the team’s campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
“It brings me…
NWU student crowned Miss GBV North West
By Mafumane Tlhapi and Kealeboga Motshabi
North-West University (NWU) student Tsholofelo Hope Batumile has been crowned Miss Gender-Based Violence (GBV) North West. She is a second-year student in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, pursuing an extended Human Resources Management programme.
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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…
Researchers discover natural feed supplement that boosts lamb growth and meat quality
By Gofaone Motsamai
In the dry, sandy soils of southern Africa, a rugged survivor stands tall: Vachellia erioloba, more commonly known as the camel thorn. Once classified under the genus Acacia as Acacia erioloba, this hardy tree is also called the giraffe thorn, mokala tree, or kameeldoring in Afrikaans.
…Panel critiques 2025 SONA for lack of clarity and strategy
By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu
The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Governance Studies hosted a panel discussion on Friday, 14 February 2025 on the Mahikeng Campus.
The discussion aimed to critically analyse President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), focusing on key…