By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu
When students from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus gathered for the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences-in-Action event on 7 and 8 October 2025, they joined an initiative that brought academia and industry together.
Under the theme “Connecting academia and industry through science”, the two-day event created a space for students, academics and professionals to engage with organisations working across various scientific fields.
The event was a collaboration between the school and NWU Career Services, and featured exhibitions and presentations from more than 20 private and public sector organisations involved in science, innovation and technology*. The sessions explored innovations and career pathways in fields such as biotechnology, chemistry, manufacturing, mining, minerals research, nuclear physics, pharmaceuticals and water provision, to mention a few. Students also had the opportunity to interact directly with industry representatives.
Prof Zimbili Zondi, head of the subject group Chemistry, explained the value of such collaborations. “This event is about forging connections that will drive the future of science in South Africa,” she said. “Our students need exposure to the industry to understand the real-world applications of their studies and the opportunities that await them.”
Day one opened with an address by Prof Thebe Medupe, deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. The programme included presentations from NIMSA, biotechnology company Inqaba, Radcon Engineering, the Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa, the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, and scientific equipment supplier Shimadzu.
At the end of day one, Prof Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje from the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences thanked the sponsors for their support. “We appreciate the commitment of our partners and sponsors who continue to make this event possible each year.”
Day two entailed presentations from organisations such as laboratory equipment supplier Chemetrix, water utility Magalies Water and Austrian company Anton Paar, followed by discussions on career development led by Career Services and industry guests.
Ready for the world of work
Thoriso Maseng, senior manager for Career Services and Alumni Relations, underlined the link between academic preparation and employability. “Our goal is to ensure that
students are not only academically qualified but also equipped with the skills that make them employable and ready for the world of work,” he said.
Thoriso added that graduates must “think critically, be adaptable, and use their knowledge to solve real-world challenges that can also create income opportunities”.
Closing the event, Prof Mduduzile Cele from the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences urged students to take ownership of their career paths. “Update your CVs, create professional LinkedIn profiles, and actively engage with industry opportunities that align with your career aspirations,” he said. “Collaboration between academia and industry remains a powerful driver of innovation and employability.”
*The participating organisations were Anton Paar, Perkin Elmer, South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), Shimadzu, Ion Exchange, Kisch IP, Rand Water, Mintek, Qlab, Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Mchem, Inqaba, Radcon Engineering, Implats, Sasol, PetroSA, Chemetrix, Inqaba Biotech, Necsa, Murula Services, Magalies Water, Thermofisher, Bayer, Verder Scientific and Anatech.
Members of the organising team pose together after the successful conclusion of the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences-in-Action event.
