NWU and Sedibeng District drive health innovation through research day

In a country where quality healthcare and innovation are vital to social progress, health research stands as one of South Africa’s most powerful tools for change. Recognising this, the North-West University’s (NWU) Faculty of Health Sciences partnered with the Sedibeng District Health Services to co-host this year’s Research Day on 24 October…

The 2025 Pitch Your Business finale, a showdown of pitches and presentations

In a region grappling with youth unemployment and slow economic growth, the North-West University (NWU) is actively tackling these issues through its robust entrepreneurship development initiatives.

Each year, the University’s bhive Enterprise and Development Centre supports sustainable business creation for students, staff and the…

Law student selected for 2025 academic exchange in Amsterdam

By Gosego Phutieagae

Visiting some of the world’s most famous justice system landmarks is high on the itinerary of Thabang Mnculwane, a North-West University (NWU) Faculty of Law student, who is spending five months in Amsterdam on an academic exchange programme.

Mnculwane, a final-year LLB student,…

Law student triumphs at Martin Luther King spoken word competition in Amsterdam

By Gosego Phutieagae

A North-West University (NWU) law student has claimed top honours at the 2025 Martin Luther King Spoken Word Competition held on 9 October at Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam.

Thabang Mnculwane, an LLB student currently participating in the NWU Faculty of Law Academic Exchange…

Colloquium explores how labour migration has shaped South Africa and Africa

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Labour migration has featured prominently in South Africa since diamonds and gold were discovered in the 1800s. Migration continues today as people move cross South Africa and Africa in search of new opportunities and a better life.

The subject of migration that took centre stage at a…

Cannabis tourism raises interest In Mahikeng community – and Portugal

By Gofaone Motsamai

When tourism researcher Dr Jean Manaliyo began asking people in Mahikeng what they knew about cannabis tourism, many were curious about how it could shape their community and economy. That curiosity has now taken his research across borders.

The North-West University (NWU) researcher…

The future of NWU Sport is not just bright, it’s purple

“At NWU Sport, our passion is sport, and we are privileged to make our passion our work.” 

These were the words of Mervyn Taylor, manager of the NWU Rugby Institute, as he concluded the North-West University (NWU) Sports Awards on 21 October. His statement captured the spirit of an evening that celebrated commitment, teamwork and…

Researcher studies traditional plants for natural pest control

When farmers face pests that damage their crops, many turn to chemical sprays. They often do not realise that indigenous plant-based practices can protect crops naturally, and that pest-control solutions already exist within traditional farming knowledge.

The use of chemicals is one of the common ways of managing pests. However, these…

North-West University salutes actor Hans Strydom and other groundbreaking alumni

The North-West University (NWU) honoured ten remarkable professionals at its prestigious biennial Alumni Excellence Awards ceremony held in Pretoria on 30 October.

This year’s distinguished honourees include veteran South African actor Hans Strydom, World Cup cricket star Tazmin Brits, and health economist Prof James Avoka Asamani,…

A critical reflection on global university rankings: Power, perception and prestige

By Prof Linda du Plessis

We live in a world obsessed with comparison. From “top performers” to “best universities,” rankings give the illusion of order in complexity. Yet, when it comes to higher education, these lists often conceal more than they reveal. Not everything fits neatly on a list, especially when…