The North-West University (NWU) and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, 10 March 2023.

This MoU was signed by Prof. Daryl Balia, deputy vice-chancellor for information technology and Potchefstroom Campus operations, alongside Ms Shirley Mlombo, SAHRC provincial manager.

The areas of cooperation for this collaboration include but are not limited to Information sharing, research,advocacy programmatic cooperation, policy formulation, enhancing capacity, investigations and special projects.

Prof. Balia said the NWU looks forward to working with the SAHRC, and emphasised that the NWU prioritises human rights and the quest for social justice in all its endeavours. He added that the NWU is proud to have embraced the democratic values and that the human rights culture which is continuously enhanced.

It was also befitting that this signing took place during the month of March, which is Human Rights Month in South Africa. Human Rights Day is commemorated annually on 21 March to reinforce the country’s commitment to the Bill of Rights as set out in our Constitution, and these are rights that both the NWU and SAHRC are committed to upholding.

From left are Adv. Oaraile Gaoraelwe, Ms.Shirley Mlombo, Prof Daryl Balia and Prof Michelle Barnard

From left are Mr. Nkosinathi Tom, Mr. Nelson Kesa, Prof Michelle Barnard, Ms.Shirley Mlombo, Prof.Daryl Balia, Adv. Oaraile Gaoraelwe, Dr.Corrie Rheeder and Mr. Philip Malan