By Vukosi Mathale
The NWU Council approved the revised Intellectual Property (IP) Policy at its meeting on 17 September 2026.
The revised policy covers intellectual property arising from the research and innovation activities of the NWU and sets out the responsibilities of employees, students and internal contractors.
It covers intellectual property such as inventions, patents, registered designs, copyright, software, databases, methodologies, processes, know-how and trademarks.
For researchers, students and other members of the NWU research and innovation community, the policy sets out what they need to know about identifying and disclosing intellectual property arising from their work.
A key provision is the disclosure of significant research and innovation outputs. Employees, internal contractors and students are required to disclose such outputs through the prescribed process so the university can assess whether and how to protect or further develop the intellectual property.
The policy also provides for commercialisation through licensing, the sale of rights, internal corporate ventures and spin-off companies. The Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) Office supports this process through activities that include intellectual property protection, market analysis, licensing, financing and partnerships.
The policy update comes as Dr Mesuli Mbanjwa, senior manager for Commercialisation in the TTIS office, takes on the role of acting chief director of TTIS.
In this role, Dr Mesuli will support the implementation of the revised policy and the systems, processes and procedures relating to intellectual property. He will also consider opportunities for the commercialisation of the NWU intellectual property.
Dr Mesuli brings more than 20 years of experience in research, innovation and technology development, including work with researchers, industry, the government and international partners. His expertise includes commercialisation, technology transfer, fundraising, licensing and negotiating industry partnerships.
He holds a PhD in chemical engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand, an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science and a postgraduate diploma in development finance from the Stellenbosch Business School.
The policy also allows IP creators to share benefits the university receives from commercialising their intellectual property.
With the revised policy approved, TTIS will continue to support researchers and students in managing their intellectual property and in considering opportunities for its further development and commercialisation.
Read the full policy here: https://www.nwu.ac.za/sites/www.nwu.ac.za/files/files/i-governance-mana…;
Dr Mesuli Mbanjwa, acting chief director of the TTIS office
