Faculty of Education honours excellence

By Gosego Phutieagae and Mafumane Tlhapi

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Education hosted a special celebration to honour its most productive researchers and dedicated community engagement practitioners.

The event recognised excellence across a range of areas, including research…

Why the maths behind matric pass rates do not add up

South Africa’s celebrated matric pass rates do not reflect the reality of a “leaking pipeline” that serves neither the country’s ailing economy nor the future prospects of matriculants.

At the centre of this dilemma is what might be called a pass-rate hostage crisis. Schools, under pressure to maintain high headline results,…

Social work students take ubudlelane into the community

For social work students at North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus ubuntu is no longer a concept only discussed in lectures. It is becoming a structured community programme with students preparing to lead projects that strengthen support networks in local neighbourhoods through a growing framework known as ubudlelane.

The…

The Future of BEE in a Changing South Africa

Prof. Joseph Sekhampu

The debate over BEE has entered a familiar but increasingly brittle phase. One side argues that, more than thirty years into democracy, empowerment has overstayed its welcome and should be scrapped. The other insists that…

Molelwane farm harvests success as student-led watermelon project generates revenue

Molelwane farm, the agricultural farm of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, has recorded a significant milestone following the successful harvest and sale of watermelons to the OK outlet at The Crossing Mall, demonstrating how practical student training can directly contribute to revenue generation for the university.

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NWU advances in Computer Science in the latest subject rankings of the THE

The North-West University (NWU) begins 2026 on a positive trajectory, recording a notable improvement in the Computer Science subject group of the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings by Subject. This latest ranking underscores the continued commitment of the university to academic excellence and global relevance.

In the most recent…

Tackling perinatal mental health in rural areas

A two-year initiative aimed at improving the screening and management of perinatal mood disorders in rural communities is being piloted in the North West.

The project, Capacity Building in Managing (Perinatal) Mood Disorders in Rural South Africa (CaBu-PeriMooD), was introduced…

The Centre of Excellence in Indigenous Knowledge Systems’ journey to greatness

In 2001, the North-West University (NWU) established and launched a teaching, learning and research programme in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) at its Mahikeng Campus that was accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

In 2009, discussions and planning commenced between the NWU, the National Indigenous…

One year on, and Donald Trump has fundamentally shifted the global order

Prof. André Duvenhage

US President Donald Trump’s stated interest in the annexation of Greenland has escalated into a geopolitical flashpoint that threatens to strain the cohesion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

In…

Research unveils green nanotechnology to protect broilers from aflatoxin toxicity

Aflatoxin contamination continues to challenge poultry producers across the globe, posing risks to bird health, farm profitability, and food safety. 

In an innovative study at the North-West University (NWU) by MSc researcher Nonsindiso Masuku explored the use of green-engineered nanoparticles to protect broiler chickens against…