The North-West University (NWU) recently hosted the deputy minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, and officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), along with representatives from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), as part of a national assessment of the readiness of universities for the 2026 academic year.

The visit took place on 6 February at the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU and formed part of the State of Readiness programme of the DHET. This programme monitors higher-education institutions across the country, with a specific focus on areas such as first-year registration processes, student accommodation and funding-related challenges.

During the visit, the NWU management and staff presented a comprehensive operational readiness briefing. The presentations covered key areas, including NSFAS-related matters, student access, campus safety and registration processes. The visit highlighted the systems and plans that are in place to support students at the start of this academic year.

Deputy minister Gondwe also engaged directly with students and staff and toured several campus facilities. These included the NWU Science Centre and the construction site of the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, and the Protection Services of the university also received a visit. During the tour, she had the opportunity to meet and address students to hear first-hand about their experiences of the admission and registration process.

She expressed her appreciation for the quality of the infrastructure and facilities at the university and commended the NWU for its readiness efforts. The deputy minister further offered the support of the DHET to the institution in its preparations.

Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, welcomed the visit, noting that it offered an important opportunity to show the planning and governance processes of the university. He reaffirmed the focus of the institution on ensuring a smooth start to the 2026 academic year.

“We are ready for the 2026 academic year,” he said. “Our priority remains creating an enabling environment for teaching, learning and research.”

Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, welcomes Dr Mimmy Gondwe, deputy minister of Higher Education and Training.

Prof. Linda du Plessis, senior deputy vice-chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, deputy minister of Higher Education and Training, and Prof. Bismark Tyobeka.