Monday, 27 January 2025 was not all business as usual at the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus. Dignitaries from the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) were hosted for a day-long oversight visit to the notable locations on the campus.

With an extensive agenda, visitors took in the highlights of the campus and learnt about the initiatives by the NWU to promote both educational well-being and academic success. Here is a look at some of their stops along the way:

· Ferdinand Postma Library:

The delegates began their tour at this well-informed location, where postgraduate study areas for master’s-degree and PhD students were displayed. The tour also highlighted the construction site of a facility tailored for students with disabilities that features adjustable furniture and sound-proof study rooms.

· NWU Medical School:

The visitors went to the planned location for the NWU’s future medical school. There was a tangible sense of excitement about this new endeavour that holds the potential to improve medical education in the region.

· Health Sciences research simulation laboratory:

Things became interactive as the visitors observed a live simulation at the Pharmacy simulation and skills laboratory. This state-of-the-art facility bridges the gap between theory and practice by providing training to medical doctors already in the field, undergraduate and postgraduate students.

· Protection Services construction site:

The tour proceeded with an enlightening visit to the construction site of a new facility that will house gender-based violence (GBV) complaint offices. Delegates were also introduced to the SMART campus initiative, which focuses on using technology to create a connected and creative learning environment.

· Admissions Building:

Amid the ongoing registration period for first-year and senior students, the delegates took advantage of the opportunity to interact with admissions officers and students during their tour.

The campus visit concluded with The Hon Walter Letsie, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, chairing the meeting that discussed strategic topics such as governance and administration, the Student Representative Council (SRC), management, and the Institutional Forum (IF).

The Hon Walter Letsie chairing the meeting.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, during his welcoming address.

Dina Mashiyane, senior manager for Library and Information Services, welcoming the delegates at the Ferdinand Postma Library.

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The delegation observing a live simulation at the research simulation lab.