By Ontiretse Motingwa and Nolwazi Xulu

North-West University (NWU) Prof Choja Oduaran of the School of Psychosocial Health presented her inaugural lecture on the evening of 7 October 2022.

The lecture, attended by academics, family members, friends and students, explored thoughts and behaviours for the resolution of life balances in an unsettled world.

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Molokele

North-West University (NWU) academic in the School of Communication, Ofentse Ngake, was recently invited by Daily Thetha – a daily live television talk show on SABC1 – to share some of his research findings.

Ofentse’s master’s study focused on the Daily Theta show and specifically on the launch of its new season.

His study is titled “The role of TV talk shows in facilitating youth engagements: A case study of Daily Theta”.

By Ontiretse Motingwa

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually on 5 October in recognition of and to show appreciation for the critical role teachers play in contributing to education and development across the globe.

This year’s theme is “The transformation of education begins with teachers”.

“This year’s theme reminds me of the Bible verse 1 Timothy 5:8 – in short – charity begins at home,” says Ellen Nkwe, North-West University (NWU) Setswana lecturer.

Ontiretse Motingwa

Joseph Senosi, North-West University (NWU) alumnus and currently a trainee script writer of Skeem Saam, was recently invited by the School of Communication to talk to second- and third-year corporate communication students on the Mahikeng Campus.

Joseph, who holds a BA in communication from the NWU, inspired the students by sharing his journey and pointing out the hardships and opportunities he experienced along the way.

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Ontiretse Motingwa

Prof Muchativugwa Liberty Hove presented his inaugural lecture on the evening of 30 September 2022 to a hall filled with luminaries, friends and family.

He started the lecture with what he considers a timeless poem, A Dream Deferred (also known as Harlem), penned by African American poet, Langston Hughes.

The North-West University (NWU) has welcomed the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety II, during a function at its Mahikeng Campus on 4 October.

The ambassador, who officially arrived in the country eight weeks ago, was accompanied by the US Consul General in Johannesburg, Mr Vincent Spera.

NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Dr Bismark Tyobeka, said the ambassador’s visit was important as the university was considering partnering with the Colorado School of Mines to assist in establishing an NWU School of Mining.

Dr Luce Pretorius, an academic at North-West University’s (NWU’s) Social Work subject group, has recently conducted a study to look at ways to enhance safety of social workers against client violence.

The study was titled “A policy framework to enhance the protection of South African social workers against client violence”.

Four communication studies students from North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus have been inaugurated as part of what will ultimately become South Africa’s first-ever 22-member Youth Online Safety Council (YOSC).

The students are Bokamoso Shame, Faith Monaisa, Itumeleng Mohwasa and Ester Kgaje.

The inaugural event was held at the University of Limpopo on 21 and 22 September, and follows a series of engagements at historically disadvantaged universities, commencing at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.

By Ontiretse Motingwa

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Law hosted its annual cross-campus public speaking competition on 23 September.

This year marked the fifth Ubuntu Ambassadors Public Speaking Competition, which aims to improve students' public speaking abilities and raise knowledge of Ubuntu and human rights. This year the competition focused on the themes inclusiveness, inclusion and cancel culture.