It is official: The North-West University (NWU) has embarked on another exciting venture with the launch of NWU Enterprises at the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus on Monday, 12 August.

The aim of NWU Enterprises is to deliver impactful, commercially focused research, consulting and commercial services and innovative companies from the NWU. It is a wholly owned subsidiary with the capacity to efficiently and astutely deliver a substantial and growing portfolio of directed research, consulting activities and derivative commercial activities.

NWU Enterprises is governed by a board of directors, which has been officially appointed. Kenneth Setzin serves as the chairman of the board of NWU Enterprises (Pty) Ltd and has stated that he embraces the role with enthusiasm.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, said: “Today’s engagement marks a historic milestone for the North-West University (NWU), as our long-standing dream and aspiration of establishing our very own enterprise comes to life with the official launch of NWU Enterprises (Pty) Ltd. This launch is a culmination of strategic vision and meticulous planning and the dawn of a bold new chapter for our university and the broader community, including our current and prospective industry partners. The South African higher-education sector has been experiencing considerable financial pressure, which has resulted in reduced financial health for many institutions, including the NWU. The constraints on public funding, coupled with limitations on raising student fees, have further placed increasing pressure on all of us to find innovative ways to sustain our operations while continuing to fulfil our core business of teaching, research and community engagement.”

He continued by proclaiming that: “As we move forward, I am happy to see that NWU Enterprises will focus on efficiently delivering a substantial and growing portfolio of directed research and consulting activities. Secondly, that a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship will be fostered and strengthened within our academic community, providing the necessary support and resources for our researchers to bring their ideas to life. Lastly, NWU Enterprises will be deeply committed to the betterment of society, which aligns well with what we stand for as an institution.”

Clement Monoko, executive director for Corporate Relations and Marketing, explained that although it is not yet spring, it is a time of growth and renewal, and the ideal time to launch NWU Enterprises. “It is an important milestone in the evolution of the NWU,” he said.

Prof Linda du Plessis, acting deputy vice-chancellor: Teaching and Learning and vice-principal, remarked how the NWU had not rushed into this venture, but had taken sufficient time to be well prepared and ready to move forward.

Duncan Raftesath, chief executive officer of NWU Enterprises (Pty) Ltd, said that society has a need for knowledge, and it has a need for new knowledge. For this purpose, NWU Enterprises will build a large portfolio of research and consulting services.

Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Innovation, reiterated how the launch is the start of a new era at the NWU. According to him, innovation and creativity are aligned at the NWU, and the university is geared towards creating intellectual properties: “The NWU was one of the first universities in South Africa to establish a technology transfer office. We have a strong culture of innovation, research and development.”

Duncan Raftesath

Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele