Today, the North-West University (NWU) and JB Marks Local Municipality held a strategic engagement aimed at deepening cooperation and advancing shared developmental priorities within the municipal area.

The meeting, hosted at the NWU Potchefstroom Campus, brought together senior leadership from both institutions to reflect on existing collaborations and to chart a forward-looking programme of action that responds to the social and economic needs of local communities.

Central to the discussions was the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NWU and JB Marks Local Municipality. The MoU provides a structured framework for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including safety and security, infrastructure development and maintenance, research and innovation, skills development, economic growth initiatives, agricultural advancement, water and sanitation, capacity building, and programmes addressing gender-based violence and femicide.

Speaking after the engagement, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the NWU , Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka emphasised the NWUs commitment to being a society-centric university that partners meaningfully with government and communities to address real-world challenges.

“This partnership underscores our continued commitment to improve the quality of life for NWU staff, students, and the broader JB Marks community ,” added Prof. Tyobeka. “Through joint initiatives, knowledge exchange and targeted community programmes, we are determined to contribute positively to sustainable development within JB Marks Municipality and beyond.”

The Municipality welcomed the collaboration, noting the value of aligning municipal priorities with academic expertise and innovation.

“This partnership enables us to leverage the intellectual and technical resources of the university to strengthen service delivery and accelerate local development,” Executive Mayor of the J.B. Marks Municipality, Councillor Gaba Thithiba Ka Qhele stated. “Working together, we can build capacity, create opportunities, and deliver tangible benefits to our communities.”

Both parties agreed to establish a Joint Technical Team to oversee the implementation of agreed projects, monitor progress, and ensure measurable outcomes. Regular engagements will be held to review priorities and assess impact.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to translate the partnership into practical programmes that promote inclusive growth, social cohesion, and improved service delivery for the residents of JB Marks.

NWU and JB Marks Local Municipality unite for community impact.