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.

Molelwane farm, the agricultural farm of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, has recorded a significant milestone following the successful harvest and sale of watermelons to the OK outlet at The Crossing Mall, demonstrating how practical student training can directly contribute to revenue generation for the university.

A two-year initiative aimed at improving the screening and management of perinatal mood disorders in rural communities is being piloted in the North West.

The project, Capacity Building in Managing (Perinatal) Mood Disorders in Rural South Africa (CaBu-PeriMooD), was introduced during a recent meeting and workshop hosted at North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus.

In 2001, the North-West University (NWU) established and launched a teaching, learning and research programme in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) at its Mahikeng Campus that was accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

In 2009, discussions and planning commenced between the NWU, the National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Office in the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the SAQA, holders of indigenous knowledge, practitioners and other stakeholders to review the curriculum with a view to expanding its scope.

Aflatoxin contamination continues to challenge poultry producers across the globe, posing risks to bird health, farm profitability, and food safety. 

In an innovative study at the North-West University (NWU) by MSc researcher Nonsindiso Masuku explored the use of green-engineered nanoparticles to protect broiler chickens against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), one of the most dangerous natural toxins found in feed.

An opinion piece by Prof Simon Letsoalo

By Dr Khido Ramadie

The decision of the Department of Basic Education to invest in psychosocial support for learners and educators is both timely and necessary.

Schools increasingly face the effects of anxiety, trauma, socioeconomic hardship and behavioural challenges that directly undermine teaching and learning. Without adequate psychosocial support, these challenges manifest as poor academic performance, absenteeism, classroom disruption and educator burnout.