Potchefstroom Campus News

Special moment for dean as daughter graduates in programme she championed

Twelve years ago, Prof. Liezl van Dyk, executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering, came to the North-West University (NWU) on a mission: to play a central role in developing industrial engineering as an impactful discipline at the university. Her daughter, Karla, was 10 years old at the time. Now, on 31 March this year, Prof. van Dyk experienced the fruits of her labour first-hand when Karla graduated as an industrial engineer.

“It is a full-circle moment that highlights the impact of academic leadership and the inspiration it offers to future generations of women in engineering… Read more

Professor to address UN panel on education rights

The United Nations Human Rights Council will hear next week from international legal experts, including the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Prof Klaus D Beiter, on whether a new protocol should guarantee children free early childhood care and secondary education.

“This process is about identifying whether existing international law…

School of Nursing celebrates Women’s Day

On 8 August 2025, the Sports Village at the Potchefstroom Campus was the setting as the School of Nursing hosted a Women’s Day celebration together with the NuMIQ research entity.

The theme, “Be yourself”, encouraged women who balance careers, families and research to embrace their identity.

The deputy director of the School of…

Celebrating women’s strength, compassion and authenticity

“So amazing how this world was made, I wonder if God is a woman. The gift of life astounds me to this day. Give it up for the woman, oh, that woman. With a smile and a style, she’ll protect you like a child, that’s a woman.”

These powerful lyrics from Shaggy’s Strength of a Woman perfectly captured the spirit…

Eagles dominate Varsity College in Varsity Netball opener

In their 2025 Varsity Netball campaign opener, the North-West University (NWU) Eagles displayed confidence and teamwork in their convincing 63-29 victory against Varsity College at the Maties Coetzenburg Indoor Centre in Stellenbosch on Sunday, 24 August.

The Eagles dominated from the outset, taking the lead in the first quarter and…

A night full of punchlines to help students in need

The Totius Hall recently came alive with joyous uproars, infectious laughter, clever punchlines, and a sense of excitement.

The NWU Comedy Night, a vibrant evening of comedic fire, was not just about telling jokes. It was an evening where humour ignited possibility and laughter played a crucial role in paving the way for students to…

Alumnus powers the future

Growing up in the Eastern Cape, Eniswa Kandzi, an engineer in training at Lesedi Energy Engineering, developed an early interest in electricity. This interest now drives her work in renewable energy, where she helps design solar systems that power homes and industries across South Africa.

After completing matric at Phumlani Senior…

Shining bright: Humanities students celebrated for academic excellence

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.” – Pelé

This quote could not be more fitting for the occasion, as the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Humanities honoured academic excellence on 30 July during the Dean’…

Mandela Day Walk/Run initiative brings smiles, steps and support

In true Mandela Day spirit, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus turned up the energy and heart rate (?) on 18 July with a vibrant and meaningful walk around the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds.

The event, which invited staff and students to complete either a 2,25 km lap or a double loop, was…

Inaugural lecture explores promising tools to tackle drug-resistant diseases

In drug development, a “magic bullet” is a compound designed to kill disease-causing organisms without harming healthy cells. Such compounds are needed now more than ever because diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and sleeping sickness, which kill more than 10 million people each year, are becoming resistant to existing treatments.

Research calls for shift in media reporting of GBV

By Gofaone Motsamai

Gender-based violence (GBV) is seldom an isolated crime, yet it is often portrayed as such in South African media reports. This is borne out by the research findings of North-West University (NWU) master’s graduate Elsje-Marié Jordaan.

She analysed media coverage of GBV from 14…