Byline: Mafumane Tlhapi and Nikelo Mehlomakulu

In the same lecture halls where many first discovered their calling, B.Ed graduates of the North-West University (NWU) gathered once again. This time, not as students, but as teachers united by a shared purpose.

On Thursday, 4 July, the NWU Mahikeng Campus hosted a reunion for B.Ed alumni, transforming the university’s education block into a space for connection, reflection and future planning.

Dr Thapelo Mokgadi, deputy director in the Faculty of Education, welcomed attendees with a reminder of the deeper impact of the profession.

“It is about honouring the shared experiences that unite us as scholars, as professionals and as human beings,” said Dr Mokgadi. “Education is not merely the transmission of curriculum content. It is the art of connection.”

He added, “Many of us are here today because someone believed in us before we believed in ourselves.”

Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor at the Mahikeng Campus, addressed the alumni on institutional progress and challenges. “We want this university to be an ongoing concern. We do not want it to go bankrupt. We must manage our resources,” she said.

Speaking on transformation and the demands of the digital age, she remarked, “We are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we cannot do anything manually anymore.”

Prof Swanepoel also detailed the ongoing infrastructure upgrades at the NWU, including water-wise systems, solar panels, eco-friendly initiatives and student-centred facilities. “We are banning plastics. It is not good for the environment,” she said. “Our roadmap is to transform and position this university as a unitary, sustainable institution committed to academic excellence and social justice.”

She highlighted the scale of student demand: “We received 390 000 applications for first-year students, but could take in only 12 000.”

Prof Muchativugwa Hove, acting director of the Research and Innovation Hub, reflected on the evolution of the faculty. “The Faculty of Education has reconstructed and reconstituted identities and ways of belonging,” he said.

He urged alumni to support the university in return. “As alumni, it is critical that we reflect not only on what we gained, but on what we can give back, whether through a trust fund or mentorship, or by supporting social justice in education.”

Mr Thoriso Maseng, senior manager for Career Services and Alumni Relations, closed with a call to action. “We go to great lengths to strengthen relationships with our former students,” he said. “Beyond reconnecting, we invite you to become mentors, to share opportunities, and to give back in ways that enrich our students’ education and employability.”

“Your legacy is in good hands,” Maseng told the room. “We want you to be part of building the NWU brand and opening doors for those who come after you.”

From left - Ms Rebaone Mmileng, Mr Thoriso Maseng, Dr Thapelo Mokgadi, Prof Sonia Swanepoel, Prof Muchativugwa Liberty Hove, Mr Sbusiso Gwala and Ms Keabetswe Gopane

Prof Muchativugwa Hove

Prof Sonia Swanepoel