By Keaoleboga Motshabi

Two alumni from the North-West University (NWU), Tumelo Malebelela and Mapule Sechogo, have been recognised for their exceptional teaching abilities.

Tumelo was honoured at the Ngaka Modiri Molema district Teaching Awards and will represent the district at the Provincial Awards in August 2024.His dedication to education was previously acknowledged when he received the Teacher’s Award in the Excellence in Secondary Teaching category during the North West Provincial Teaching Awards in 2023.

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola and student Sinenhlanhla Mthembu have been named finalists for the 2024 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA).

These awards recognise outstanding contributions by women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Prof Babalola and Sinenhlanhla will join other distinguished women at the awards ceremony on 15 August in Mbombela.

Without the help of a particular enzyme, HIV/Aids cannot replicate itself and take over the body’s cells. Dr Andrew Motsilanyane, a recent PhD graduate from the North-West University (NWU), has been targeting this enzyme, HIV-1 protease, in research that could open up new possibilities for drug development.

North-West University (NWU) alumnus Kgalalelo Pakwe, an entrepreneur and forensic analyst for the South African Police Service, has created an innovative health product, Flu-Away Shots.

With a BSc in biological and environmental science and an honours degree in microbiology, Kgalalelo developed Flu-Away Shots to help boost the immune system, particularly during the winter months when flu is more prevalent.

Commemorating Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July 2024, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Khayelitsha residence on the Mahikeng Campus spent 67 minutes at the Mahikeng Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) centre.

“When we think about community engagement work, advocacy for animal rights often takes a backseat to other issues in society. Our residence initiative to partner with the Mahikeng SPCA aims to raise awareness about the rights of animals in society, and advocate for their care,” says Fazlin Lahri, residence administrator.

Three players from the North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute played for the South African teams that won gold at the regional Confederation of University and Colleges Sports Associations (CUCSA) games at the Tshwane University of Technology's Pretoria Campus.

Lesego Motsepe and Lucky Letwaba were selected for the men’s team, and Lethabo Moemi for the women's team. Both teams won gold during the games.

Mduduzi Mccoy Sithole, currently an administrator at the North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute, has transitioned from playing for South Africa’s junior teams – Orlando Pirates FC and Kaizer Chiefs FC – to a significant role in soccer administration.

North-West University (NWU) students Karabo Makau, Matshepo Soto and Potego Sethwape recently walked away with the spoils in a hackathon hosted by Lelapa AI at the University of Johannesburg that took place from 29 to 30 June 2024.

The team, known as Unitech, was challenged to create a municipality WhatsApp chatbot for the prepaid electricity meter ground team.

By Bonolo Monaisa

Student Life on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus recently hosted a Leadership Development programme for 40 prospective student leaders from 11 to 14 July.

Among the 40 nominated leaders were members of the Society Sub-committee residences committees and the Golden Key Society.

By Bonolo Monaisa

Keamogetsoe Ledwaba-Moadi has been appointed as the new station manager at the NWUFM, the radio station at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus.

Keamogetsoe says he is driven by his lifelong passion for radio and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the industry.

‘‘My passion for radio started at the age of 14, a dream that quickly took root and flourished. I sharpened my skills at a high school radio station, setting the stage for a lifelong career in the industry.’’