As the world struggles with the degeneration of democracy and the increasing political dissatisfaction, human rights activism has never been more important. This was the message delivered by human-rights defender Mary Pais during her recent guest lecture on honouring human rights at the North-West University (NWU). Titled “The State of Human Rights and the Importance of Human Rights Activism in a Time of Democratic Recession”, the lecture explored the critical need for community engagement in safeguarding democracy and fundamental freedoms.

The Faculty of Humanities of the NWU recently hosted a seminar aimed at graduates and final-year students who are eager to explore international work and travel opportunities. The Faculty has a strong relationship with the Intercultural Education Corporation (IEC), who sent a delegation to South Africa to share first-hand insight into the Work and Travel in China programme. This programme offers young professionals the chance to work abroad while exploring a new culture.

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the North-West University (NWU) Business School, in collaboration with People and Culture: Learning and Development, hosted a vibrant symposium titled “Women in leadership”.

The event took place at the Potchefstroom Campus and celebrated International Women’s Day with the theme “Barriers and challenges faced by women in the quest for leadership positions”. This annual symposium serves as a platform to recognise the achievements of women and to highlight the ongoing need for gender equality across all spheres of life.

The North-West University (NWU) hosted a delegation from the Kohinoor Business School (KBS), Mumbai, from 23 February to 4 March, in a visit aimed at strengthening academic collaboration, cultural exchange and industry engagement. The visit was coordinated by Prof Ephrem Redda from the WorkWell Research Unit at the NWU.

The absence of fathers in households is more than a family issue, it is a societal crisis with lasting consequences for individuals and communities.

Prof Fazel Freeks from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Theology and Prof Elzahne Simeon de Jager from the subject group Social Work are leading a community engagement project to explore how this phenomenon shapes the lives of children, increasing their vulnerability and need for protection.

Dr Moleboheng Ramulumo, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education, Research Unit Self-Directed Learning has been invited by the Disability Cluster of the South African Youth Forum (SAYOF) to represent South Africa at RightsCon 2025, taking place in Taipei, Taiwan, from 23 to 29 February 2025.

To shine a spotlight on the widespread issues of fraud, the North-West University (NWU) Internal Audit Department hosted a robust awareness campaign in accordance with the celebration of International Fraud Awareness Week.

Esteemed speakers from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) – Klerksdorp (the Hawks) and Nexus Forensic delivered insights into fraud prevention and investigation to the NWU community – emphasising the need for ethical behaviour.

Dineo Mdingane has always believed in the power of community and the importance of lending a helping hand to those in need. As the managing director of Bafenyi Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to uplifting people in difficult circumstances through ministry and practical support, she has turned her passion into action.

One of the trust's most impactful initiatives is a soup kitchen in Promosa in Potchefstroom.

Prof Helgard Raubenheimer, director of the Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics (CBMI) in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), delivered a presentation demonstrating his expertise to the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Science (NITheCS) community.

We would like to extend our hearty congratulations to Prof Jan Steenekamp and Prof Jacques Petzer, who recently received awards as “Best Moderator” and “Best Examiner” respectively from the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) at the SAPC Examiners/Moderators Lekgotla. The SAPC is a collective of experienced pharmacy professionals, educators and professionals from other key professions.