Youth entrepreneurship took a significant step forward when the North-West University (NWU) hosting a session aimed at guiding students toward business development resources and funding opportunities.

Organised by the university’s Career Services on 27 February 2026, the event brought together key stakeholders such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Small Enterprise Finance Development Agency (SEFDA).

Sport, money, careers and technology were the focus of the “4-in-1” event held at Khayalethu Residence on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus to prepare students for life in and outside the lecture room.

The programme, held on 7 March, started with an aerobics marathon and a five-a-side inter-block soccer tournament.

The formal programme followed, with a financial literacy session and an academic symposium on the NWU’s artificial intelligence (AI) policy.

The Nano Environment Incubation Programme (NanoEnv) team from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus engaged with the management of the Groot Marico Biosphere Reserve and local stakeholders on 20 February 2026.

The purpose of the engagement was to present scientific findings from integrated water and sediment analyses conducted at previously sampled sites within the Biosphere, and to discuss key physicochemical parameters influencing water quality in the region.

Prof. Rorisang Machailo from the School of Nursing in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) has been appointed as the nursing practice portfolio chair at the Forum for University Nursing Departmental heads of South Africa (FUNDISA).

Her appointment recognises her knowledge of clinical practice and her commitment to maintaining high nursing standards in the profession. FUNDISA brings together heads of nursing departments from public universities across South Africa to guide the development of nursing education and professional practice.

Storytelling in indigenous languages plays a vital role in preserving cultural memory, shaping identity and strengthening community connection.

Wanting to contribute to this, Gofaone Motsamai, a North-West University (NWU) alumnus, has joined Motsweding FM as a drama producer, where he oversees the development and production of radio drama content for Setswana-speaking audiences.

Stadt Primary School in Montshiwa Stadt Village, Mahikeng has been privileged to capture the school’s history in a booklet written by Mojuta Motlhamme, a lecturer in the subject group History for Education from the North-West University (NWU).

“The partnership between the university and the school has grown over the years and is blossoming into a fruitful collaboration, with different colleagues from the NWU working on different projects,” Mojuta said at the launch on 21 February 2026.

Matric learners at Tshidi Barolong Secondary School received guidance on academic and career pathways when alumni from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus visited them on 21 February 2026.

The Mahikeng Young Alumni Chapter aimed to prepare learners for their final exams and post-matric life. The session focused on education, resilience, relationships with teachers and transitioning to university and the workplace. More than 200 Grade 12 learners attended the event. The alumni office also donated pencil cases to the grade 12 learners as part of the outreach.

The North-West University (NWU) is proud to announce the appointment of internationally acclaimed marathon champion, Tete Dijana, as a protection officer at its Mahikeng Campus, effective 1 April 2026.

Tete, a three-time Comrades Marathon champion, has become a symbol of endurance, discipline, humility and excellence in South Africa and beyond. His remarkable athletic achievements have inspired millions, and his journey reflects resilience and determination of the highest order.

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

When North-West University (NWU) senior lecturer Dr Salphinah Vuloyimuni Ubisi reached a new milestone in her career with a publishing award, she was quick to praise her later supervisor.

In December 2025, she was awarded the 2024 Hiddingh-Currie Award at a ceremony hosted by Unisa for her autobiography, Vuloyimuni: How Research on Hostels, Housing and Intergovernmental Relations Took Me to My Roots.

The opportunity to learn from some of South Africa’s top scholars is a major advantage for up-and-coming academics who participate in the Future Professors Programme (FPP), a national initiative.

One such academic is Prof. Thembinkosi Malevu, an associate professor in the subject group Physics at the North-West University (NWU). He joined the FPP in January 2024 for its current two-year cycle.