2017 is not only significant as it marks the start of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) renewed focus to become a unitary institution of superior academic excellence. It also marks the year in which students will have to make one of the most important choices ever – that of a future career and hence a field of study.

This is how the vice-chancellor, Prof Dan Kgwadi, recently welcomed 1 200 prospective students to a successful mini open day held on the NWU’s campus in Mahikeng.

“It is my wish that you join our tightly woven university – a community spread across two provinces that not only celebrates excellence, but also the richness of cultural diversity, the freedom of academic inquiry and the spirit of innovation,” said Prof Kgwadi.

The mini open day also presented an ideal opportunity for learners to explore the wide range of study options available at the NWU’s eight faculties.

The learners engaged with academic and support staff to get first-hand information regarding the academic offerings of the university, as well as the support services that are in place to assist students.

“As a university, diversity is very important, and out of the 72 000 registered students (making us the second largest university in South Africa), there are no less than 35 language groupings and more than 30 different cultures represented,” said Prof Kgwadi.

Prof Dan Kgwadi, NWU vice-chancellor, addresses learners during the recent mini open day on the NWU’s campus in Mahikeng.