By Mzwandile Ndlovu
Leaving their books and computers on campus, students from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus picked up brooms and refuse bags and headed into the community.
At they entered the gates of Mahikeng Primary on 13 February, they rolled up their sleeves and marked the school’s build-up to its 131-year anniversary in August with a clean-up drive.
When Leonard Lekgetho speaks about justice, it is not as an abstract ideal but as a lifelong calling. Appointed as acting head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) by President Cyril Ramaphosa, this North-West University (NWU) alumnus carries with him more than two decades of experience in the fight against corruption, and the values shaped during his years as a student.
Roots in Taung, rise to national leadership
From the quiet streets of the Bodibe village outside Lichtenburg to the helm of a secondary school in Rustenburg, North-West University (NWU) alumnus Itumeleng Joy Molaakgosi embodies resilience, academic excellence and servant leadership.
Itumeleng was born on 19 March 1987 and raised by parents who had no formal education, and his story is rooted in determination and faith in the transformative power of education.
North-West University (NWU) alumnus Thato Mashishi has been appointed head of the corporate and commercial division at Berwins Solicitors Limited in the United Kingdom (UK), marking a significant career milestone.
Thato joined Berwins in November 2025 and took over leadership of the firm’s business arm from founder Paul Berwin as the firm positions itself for expansion.
“My role includes growing my team and the unit. I oversee business development and the introduction of efficiencies, including incorporating technology in the way we work,” explained Thato.
The North-West University (NWU) continues to strengthen its footprint in national and international education spaces following the appointment of Ms Kgothatso Mafiri, project coordinator responsible for community engagement at the Mahikeng Campus, as the national coordinator of recognition of prior learning (RPL).
As the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) pandemic tightens its grip in the Gauteng, North West and the Free State provinces, the impact is spreading far beyond farms, placing pressure on South Africa’s beef industry, food security and jobs across the agricultural economy.
Dr Kaya Myeki from the School of Agricultural Sciences at North-West University (NWU) said the absence of a centralised, real-time livestock disease database makes it difficult to quantify losses in monetary terms. Yet the effects across the livestock value chain are already apparent.
An opinion piece by Dr Mabutho Shangase
The Department of Basic Education’s commitment to increasing psychosocial support for learners and teachers has the potential to deliver long-term gains for education and the country.
At the release of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, South African education officials, including the Minister of Basic Education, acknowledged the emotional strain caused by examinations, academic pressure and social challenges facing many learners and emphasised the urgent need for support.
By Mzwandile Ndlovu
Tshegofatso Bogatsu has joined Career Services on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus as a specialist career coach.
She will support students and graduates in navigating their academic careers and preparing them for the world of work.
“The goal is to empower and support students and graduates in making informed career decisions and achieving meaningful employment outcomes, working in alignment with the university’s employability strategy,” says Tshegofatso.
For social work students at North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus ubuntu is no longer a concept only discussed in lectures. It is becoming a structured community programme with students preparing to lead projects that strengthen support networks in local neighbourhoods through a growing framework known as ubudlelane.