When you achieve 75 per cent of the objectives of your three-year turnaround plan in one year, one of two things happened: either your goals were set too low, or you had an exceptional season. In the case of the North-West University (NWU) Vaal Rugby Club the second scenario applies.

More than 200 final-year students at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Vanderbijlpark recently took to the lush green banks of the Vaal River to catch up with friends and enjoy their last few weeks on the campus before graduation.

It is true: to be a first-year student at university can be one of the most exciting, but also the most stressful times in a young adult’s life. It is therefore natural that you might feel overwhelmed by your new surroundings, the responsibilities associated with personal freedom and the pressure that goes with it.

On par with the North-West University’s (NWU’s) dream to be an internationally recognised university, distinguished for engaged scholarship, social responsiveness and an ethic of care, the Optentia research focus area recently hosted the inaugural international Short Intensive Programme (SIP).

The Robin Banks philosophy is simple: tame and train your thoughts. The very thoughts running through your mind can help to manifest the life of your dreams, or draw you closer to your greatest fears.

Social workers play an important role in the communities they serve. They are a voice for people who aren’t being heard, and they confront serious social issues to enable both young and old to thrive. In short: they are committed to making the world a better place to live in.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Education in Vanderbijlpark recently joined the global community in celebrating World Food Day. On 16 October, the faculty hosted a special lecture on food security and the eradication of worldwide hunger.

It was a sight to behold. As the music started to play and the velvet curtains drew open, the kids at the El Shaddai Primary School in Vanderbijlpark drew in their breaths and their eyes shone with wonder. It was time for the colourful puppets to talk and for small children to listen and learn.

Thandi Hlotshana is about to see the world. Hailing from the East Rand, the bubbly 23-year old who is a final-year BA student in industrial psychology and labour relations at the North-West University (NWU) has been awarded the Abe Baily Bursary – one of only 18 recipients in the country.

If you ever doubt the value of mathematics and science, just ask Janu Fouché and Ruan le Hanie to share their future career prospects with you.