By Phenyo Mokgothu and Gofaone Motsamai
When the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus opens for the 2026 academic year, students will step into two newly built lecture halls designed with advanced digital and acoustic systems to improve teaching and learning experiences.
The construction, completed in five months, forms part of the university’s broader plan to expand its teaching infrastructure. In addition to the two completed lecture halls, each accommodating 250 students, the university has another project currently underway which will accommodate 650 students. This facility should be completed at the end of February 2026 and includes a 350-seater lecture theatre and two 150-seater lecture halls.
According to Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation and people and culture, these new facilities will relieve some of the space constraints the campus has been experiencing.
Speaking at the official handover of the two teaching venues, she explained why the new buildings are so important.
“We have nearly 12 000 students on this campus and have been using the Great Hall and the Student Centre for lectures. Those venues were never meant for that purpose. The Great Hall, for instance, has an expensive sports floor, but because of space constraints, it has been used daily for teaching. We are excited that with these new facilities we can finally relieve that pressure.”
Quality structures built within budget
According to project manager Thapelo Moela, the original plan was to construct modular classrooms. “But for the dignity of our students, we opted to build permanent structures while keeping within the same budget.”
He said the project team analysed the needs of lecturers and students to ensure the spaces met academic standards.
“Advanced sound attenuation measures were integrated to meet stringent acoustic standards,” said Thapelo. “We also included state-of-the-art audio-visual systems with displays positioned for optimal visibility,
as well as smart controls for lighting and sound. The furniture design considers ergonomic needs for both able and less-abled students.”
The project was completed in half the time normally required for similar developments owing to effective coordination among management, infrastructure teams, consultants and contractors.
Prof Swanepoel commended the project’s rapid completion. “Five months – well done to the team! I don’t know how you did it, but we are so grateful,” she said. “These venues are modern, multi-purpose, and flexible. Tables can be folded, spaces reconfigured, and the facilities can even be used for functions.”
The new lecture halls will be ready for use when NWU welcomes first-year students in February 2026, marking another milestone in the university’s investment in accessible and modern learning environments.
The two newly built lecture halls on the Mahikeng Campus will improve the teaching and learning experience for students.
