The North-West University (NWU) continues its commitment to inclusivity and support for students with disabilities, with the official handover of newly renovated, state-of-the-art offices to the Disability Rights Unit (DRU) on the Mahikeng Campus.
The handover ceremony, held on 21 July, homed in on the daily challenges of students living with disabilities.
University leaders, including the director for student life, Jim Molaotsi, and the director for student academic lifecycle administration operations, Franco Nkoana, took part in the event by navigating portions of the programme using assistive devices or putting themselves in the shoes of the students they serve. Some of the leaders were in wheelchairs, while others wore blindfolds or used hearing aids, symbolically stepping into the lived realities of students with disabilities.
The driving force behind the unit, Vida Mutlaneng who many students affectionately call “Mam Vida” or even “Mother Theresa”, was visibly emotional during her address.
“This has been a long time coming,” she said. “We fought hard for a space that truly caters to the needs of students living with disabilities. This new office isn’t just about accessibility, it’s about dignity, comfort and making sure that every student feels seen, supported and included.”
Franco highlighted the often-invisible barriers students face daily and commended the unit for being a bridge toward equal access.
“It’s easy to overlook the obstacles when you’re not the one facing them every day,” he said. “This experience today has reminded us all that inclusive infrastructure is not a privilege; it’s a right.”
Putting students’ needs first
Jim took a moment to acknowledge the relentless advocacy of Mam Vida, who has been a champion for disability rights on campus for years.
“Mam Vida has never wavered,” he said. “She has always put the needs of students living with disabilities first, fighting tirelessly to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are met. This office is a testament to her dedication.”
In designing the new DRU space, the university drew inspiration from a benchmarking study with Wits University, widely recognised for its leadership in disability inclusion. The office features thoughtful design elements, including multi-coloured wall accents that serve as wayfinding cues for students who are visually impaired. Certain colours were selected for their calming psychological effects, promoting a more welcoming environment.
This new chapter for the Disability Rights Unit at Mahikeng Campus reinforces NWU’s pledge to create an inclusive, barrier-free academic space for all its students.
Staff attending the official handover of the newly renovated, state-of-the-art offices to the Disability Rights Unit.
Some of the attendees eating their lunch blind-folded to better understand the daily challenges of students living with disabilities.
Disability Unit coordinator Vida Mutlaneng assists a blind-folded colleague to find her way into the new building.
