South Africans might be surprised to discover that some of the country’s language challenges are similar to those faced in multilingual countries in the northern hemisphere. This is according to Orefile Malebo, an education technologist at the North-West University (NWU), who recently made a presentation at the Online Educa Berlin conference in Germany.

Held from 27 to 29 November 2024, the event brought together education leaders from across the globe to discuss the role of technology in education.

By:Optentia research unit

A groundbreaking initiative aimed at closing the digital divide in schools across Africa is making significant strides. The project, named Tswala! – a Setswana word meaning "closing" – seeks to bridge the gap between students, teachers and the world by integrating digital tools into classrooms. Its goal is to transform education by providing students and teachers with the technology needed to engage in modern, interactive learning.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Optentia research unit hosted a two-day workshop that focused on equipping professionals with tools to help individuals craft purposeful, meaningful lives.

The workshop, titled “The Holistic Life Crafting Model: A practitioner’s guide to meaning-making in every domain”, took place on 13 and 14 November at Mongena Private Game Reserve.

The North-West University (NWU) proudly celebrates a significant achievement, with its bhive Enterprise Development Centre winning top honours for its Short Learning Programme (SLP) for Business Start-ups at the 3rd Annual Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Learning and Teaching Awards.

Held in Johannesburg on 29 November 2024, the ceremony recognised excellence and innovation in entrepreneurial education across South Africa.

Championing excellence in entrepreneurial education

From 11 to 15 November 2024, the North-West University’s (NWU) Research and Postgraduate Support Directorate hosted a successful writing camp aimed at tackling the challenges faced by postgraduate students. Held in collaboration with the Writing Centre and the Chemical Resources Beneficiation (CRB) group, the camp provided a transformative experience for selected Master’s and Doctoral (M&D) students across NWU’s three campuses.

Professor Ype Poortinga, emeritus professor at Tilburg University and the University of Leuven, delivered an insightful lecture at the Optentia Research Unit at the Vanderbijlpark Campus. His talk, titled “Exploring the History of Cross-Cultural Psychology: The Primacy of Method over Theory,” explored the evolution of research methods in cross-cultural psychology, emphasising their importance in understanding differences and similarities in behaviour.

The NWU Vaal Young Alumni Chapter hosted a vibrant fundraising event on 02 November 2024, at the scenic Big Lapa of Vanderbijlpark Campus, with a powerful mission; to support final-year students burdened by debts under R5,000, enabling them to graduate and unlock new opportunities. The event buzzed with enthusiasm as alumni, staff, and special guests gathered for a relaxed, picnic-style gathering. The unique setting fostered connections, camaraderie, and a shared purpose, while also encouraging Convocation sign-ups to strengthen alumni bonds.

Since the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), accounting students have been worried about their future in the profession. Kurt Naicker CA(SA), a senior lecturer at the School of Accounting Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), recently shared his insights on how to keep students motivated and inspired in the age of AI in the ASA Magazine.

The Centre for Applied Risk Management (UARM) at the North-West University (NWU) recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its master’s-degree programme in behavioural risk work.

The theme, "Celebrating 10 years of excellence in applied risk management", was inspired by the programme’s pioneering role in offering an applied risk management course in South Africa. At the time it was introduced, only two other universities abroad offered a similar course, making the NWU's initiative a significant milestone in the region.

Itumeleng Komane, a graduate of the North-West University (NWU) Vanderbijlpark Campus and a dedicated teacher at the Sunrise View Secondary School, recently achieved a significant milestone by securing the top position in the prestigious Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning category at the National Teaching Awards.

His story serves as an inspiration to teachers and learners, demonstrating the transformative power of passionate and committed teaching.