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.

Opinion piece by Dr Mabutho Shangase

Dr Mabutho Shangase, a senior lecturer in Political Studies and International Relations at the North-West University (NWU) is of the opinion that the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has reached the zenith of its political existence and is currently engaging in actions that will undermine and diminish its future electoral prospects.

What began as a digital footprint in South Africa has grown into a continental voice, one strong enough to earn North-West University (NWU) alumnus John Nchoe an honorary award at the prestigious Icons of Africa Awards.

Nchoe, a social media entrepreneur who holds a BA and BA Honours in Communication from the NWU, was recognised for his growing influence in digital strategy, content creation and thought leadership across Africa’s media and tourism sectors.

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Human movement science students from North-West University (NWU) will step out of the classroom and onto the field as they take on key support roles at the National School Sports Summer Games on 11 to 15 December 2025 in Kempton Park. The Mahikeng Campus group, guided by lecturer Siyanda Mbatha, will apply their academic training directly to the competitive school sport environment.

O’kgabile Mokoena, a final-year LLB student at the North-West University (NWU), has been selected as a 2025 recipient of the distinguished Abe Bailey Travel Bursary.

This highly competitive award recognises young South African leaders who embody academic excellence, civic engagement and the commitment to drive positive change in society.

By Gosego Phutieagae

Healthy soil produces strong plants, purifies water, prevents flooding and captures carbon dioxide. Depleted soil, on the other hand, has dire consequences for biodiversity, food security and climate resilience.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus is leading the conversation on what needs to be done to ensure sustainable soil management and food security.

South Africa is a top carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitter in Africa, and new research explores how the country’s energy choices shape its sustainability path.

Shivangi Nilan Patel, a recent cum laude graduate of the North-West University (NWU), investigated the effect of hydroelectricity and natural gas consumption on environmental sustainability in South Africa from 1981 to 2021. Her study focused on how these energy sources influence CO₂ emissions, which she used as a measure of environmental sustainability.

The South African Health Excellence Awards has recognised Prof. Leepile Sehularo, director of the Lifestyle Diseases research entity at the North-West University (NWU), who received the Second Runner-up Award for Scientific Excellence.

The awards ceremony was held on 8 November 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Gauteng, co-hosted by the Clinix Health Group and the South African Clinician Scientists Society.

By Gosego Phutieagae

When final-year social work students at the North-West University (NWU) gathered for their annual conference, their message was clear: transformation begins with small acts of service.

The subject group Social Work hosted the event to showcase how students have translated classroom theory into real-world community engagement, demonstrating their readiness to serve as ethical and responsive professionals.