The North-West University (NWU) is not only dedicated to academic excellence, but also ensuring that its students and staff experience the institution’s ethic of care.

On 14 February the NWU mascot Eagie, together with the campus mascots Pukki, Vuvu and Mafika, decided to spread some love across the three campuses.

The mascots braced the hot African sun in an attempt to find and shower students and staff with free hugs and flowers.

The day’s mission went smoothly as some people asked for flowers and hugs, while others needed a bit of convincing.

“Some of us come from across the country, and do not have any family members in the area. So when I got that unexpected hug and flowers from Eagi, it made me feel special,” said Ororiseng Ngwasheng, a student on the campus in Potchefstroom. “A spontaneous hug shows that I am not only loved but also cared for.”

 Tsholofelo Kompi and Anika Jonker hug mascots Pukki and Eagie on the campus in Potchefstroom.

Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for planning and for operations on the Vanderbijlpark Campus, gets a hug from mascot Vuvu.

 Mahikeng Campus mascot Mafika strikes a pose with students from the campus.