By Gofaone Motsamai
On an ordinary morning at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, Lesego Molema follows his usual routine, attending lectures, meeting with student groups and checking on campus projects. For him, these are not separate roles but connected responsibilities that link his studies, leadership and community work. This year, his efforts have led to national recognition.
Young scientists from all over the world are putting their heads together to find sustainable water solutions for people in rural areas. One of them is North-West University (NWU) doctoral student Keaobaka Masego Mahoko, who will represent the institution at the 2025 Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Next Generation Digital Action Summit in Denmark in November.
By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu
When students from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus gathered for the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences-in-Action event on 7 and 8 October 2025, they joined an initiative that brought academia and industry together.
Under the theme “Connecting academia and industry through science”, the two-day event created a space for students, academics and professionals to engage with organisations working across various scientific fields.
By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu
In the scientific field, learning theory and doing practical work at university provides a foundation for aspiring scientists, but developing real-world skills is what prepares students for professional environments.
South Africa’s pursuit of sustainable development remains uneven, with economic growth often taking precedence over environmental and social considerations, and while laws and policies highlight sustainability, practice tells a different story.
“Economic growth dominates the discourse,” said Dr Fredua Agyemang, a postdoctoral research fellow under the SARChI Chair: Cities, Law and Environmental Sustainability at the North-West University (NWU).
“Social sustainability is often reduced to consultation exercises, and environmental concerns are treated as secondary.”
By Gofaone Motsamai and Mzwandile Ndlovu
Once played in dusty village yards and open fields where laughter echoed and children learned teamwork through play, indigenous games used to be at the heart of African childhood. Today, many of those games - from morabaraba and diketo to mmela and ntimo - are fading from memory, overshadowed by modern sports. But at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, those forgotten rhythms came alive again as the institution hosted its first-ever Indigenous Games Varsity Tournament.
“Community engagement connects learning with life,” said Vincent Russell, Assistant Professor and Liberal Studies Program Coordinator in the Department of Communication at Western Carolina University. He presented a talk to the North-West University (NWU) employees on the role of engagement in teaching and research and its impact on academic careers.
By Phenyo Mokgothu and Gofaone Motsamai
Veteran broadcaster Tim Modise returned to Mahikeng, where his media career began, to deliver a public lecture on the evolving role of broadcast media in shaping South Africa’s cultural identity.
Gosego Phutieagae and Phenyo Mokgothu
If young people take ownership of their linguistic future, they can ensure that the internet becomes multilingual. This call to action to the youth was made during the North-West University’s (NWU’s) 2025 Language Awareness Week.
Two North-West University (NWU) football players were recognised for their performance in the 2025 Varsity Football tournament, taking home major individual honours and contributing significantly to the team’s competitive campaign.
Goalkeeper Ethan Mokwena won the Cashbuild Golden Glove award and the official Goalkeeper of the Tournament prize, which included a trophy and a monetary reward. Team captain Aphelele Sibisi was named FNB Player of the Tournament, receiving a R10 000 prize.