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

PhD graduate brings fresh perspectives on China’s intentions in Africa

by Oscar Mosiane

China’s involvement in Africa has long been a talking point, with some commentators convinced of its good intentions and others sceptical. A North-West University (NWU) PhD graduate, Reverend Dr Dimpho Gaobepe, has brought some much-needed balance to the debate through his PhD research on international relations.

In his thesis, he…

Harvest brings fresh produce and jobs at Molelwane Farm

By Gofaone Motsamai and Oscar Mosiane

For students and staff who are passionate about farming and agriculture, the ideal place to learn, do research and reap fresh produce is the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Molelwane Agriculture Farm.

Located on the Barolong-Boo Rratshidi land just outside the…

PhD candidate and Mrs South Africa semi-finalist inspiring change

By Gofaone Motsamai

Bontle Manana, a 34-year-old industrial psychologist and PhD candidate at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU), is breaking barriers and inspiring women across South Africa.

Hailing from Phola Village in Mahikeng, she recently achieved the prestigious milestone of…

Saying goodbye after 42 years of service

by Phenyo Mokgothu

When Eugenia March entered the Information Technology (IT) department as telephone coordinator and later as administration secretary at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus 42 years ago, it was a very different environment she recently retired from.

She joined the NWU in 1982 and has played a vital role in the department’…

Alumnus reappointed to the National Indigenous Knowledge panel

by Phenyo Mokgothu

South African indigenous knowledge is precious, and few people are better qualified than North-West University (NWU) alumnus, Dr Thulisile Bhuda, to contribute to preserving it.

This explains why Dr Bhuda has been reappointed to the Indigenous Knowledge / Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) National Authentication Panel.

She will…

How global financial cycles shape South Africa’s economy

By Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu

Global financial conditions have a significant effect on the stability of the South African economy, according to a recent study by two researchers from the North-West University (NWU).

In their study on the influence of global financial cycles on South Africa’s financial…

Expert unpacks the hidden costs of rising electricity tariffs

By: Gofaone Motsamai

The recent approval by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) of a 12,7% electricity tariff increase for the 2025/26 financial year has raised serious concerns about its implications for household budgets, business operations and socio-political stability.

Mpho Lenoke…

Trump’s pause on foreign aid upsets global health programmes

by Phenyo Mokgothu

United States President Donald Trump’s pause in his country’s foreign aid is being felt on the campuses of the North-West University (NWU).

The Health Care Centre and HIV/Aids Office on the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus have received notification from Shout-it-Now, the non-governmental organisation providing youth-centred sexual reproductive…

Study examines herbicide in South Africa’s environment

By Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu

Researchers from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Unit of Environmental Sciences and Management conducted a study on the presence of a widely used herbicide – glyphosate – and its byproduct, AMPA, in South Africa’s water, soil and sediment.

Glyphosate, a key ingredient…

Bridging language gaps on African Radio

By: Gofaone Motsamai

The rich linguistic diversity in Africa has always posed challenges and opportunities for the media, particularly for radio. A new book, Reconceptualising Multilingualism on African Radio, seeks to redefine multilingualism on African radio broadcasting by proffering epistemological ways to…