Institutional News

NWU Gallery opens new doors with I Hope You Dance exhibition

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 11:32:48 +0000

NWU Gallery opens new doors with I Hope You Dance exhibition

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/30/2025 - 13:32

“The dance. I miss the dance. I miss the discipline, the sweating, the emotions, the sensations … When I danced, nothing else existed.” – Johnny Clegg, Scatterling of Africa

Quoting these evocative words during his keynote address, North-West University (NWU) vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, officially opened the newly relocated NWU Gallery on the Potchefstroom Campus on 25 June 2025. The quote set the tone for the gallery’s debut exhibition in its new home - I Hope You Dance - a powerful and poetic showcase drawn from the university’s esteemed art collection.

Now situated in Building F16G near Protection Services, the gallery’s new location marks a fresh chapter in its 22-year history. Since its inception in 2002, the NWU Gallery had shared a space with the Ferdinand Postma library and Archives. The move establishes a dedicated environment for art, culture and connection.

The I Hope You Dance exhibition is open to the public until 4 July 2025 and reflects on life as a metaphorical choreography. The featured works explore themes of movement, rhythm, grace, struggle, and transformation, mirroring the complex dance of human experience.

In his address, Prof Tyobeka described the gallery as “an asset not only for the NWU but also for the broader community in our province.” He emphasised that the space must “serve as a platform for all artists to showcase their work and remind us of who we are as a people and our individual and collective roles in society.”

Highlighting the exhibition’s launch during Youth Month, he further reflected on the role of art in shaping collective memory. “It is through various types of artistic expression that we remember events that have shaped our country and the world,” he said.

The group Gospella, an NWU art society, opened the programme with rich vocal harmonies that set a warm tone. The student jazz trio Typical 3 also filled the air with smooth, soulful sounds and created a warm, inviting ambience.

Newly appointed curator Sheryl Msomi expressed her joy at the gallery’s official reopening and thanked attendees for their support. “How much access the people of the NWU have to the university collection is amazing! The fact that staff can reach out to the gallery and loan works for their offices, boardrooms and shared spaces is truly inspiring,” she said.

Senior Manager for NWU Arts, Jaco van der Walt, also shared his appreciation and highlighted the significance of the occasion for the university’s creative community and urged all staff and students to visit the gallery and explore the collection.

Mathew Moyo reappointed to the national library council

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:22:12 +0000

Mathew Moyo reappointed to the national library council

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/26/2025 - 14:22

Dr Mathew Moyo, chief director for Library and Information Services at the North-West University (NWU), has been reappointed as a board member of the National Council for Library and Information Services (NCLIS).

“I am very honoured and grateful for this opportunity,” says Dr Moyo. “It is encouraging to see that one’s contribution to the sector is acknowledged at this level.”

The appointment, which runs for three years until May 2028, was made by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.

The NCLIS plays a central role in advising four different Ministries: Sport, Arts and Culture, Basic Education, Higher Education, and Science, Technology and Innovation. It provides guidance on national library and information service matters, promoting strategic leadership, literacy, a reading culture and open access to information.

Dr Moyo brings decades of experience in academic librarianship to the NCLIS, along with insight into the challenges facing the sector.

“One of the main concerns is that many schools still do not have functional libraries or trained librarians. The council continues to push for increased funding to address this issue,” he explains.

Within the NWU community, his reappointment is seen as a recognition of both his personal commitment and the university’s broader contribution to strengthening access to knowledge and information services in South Africa.

Dr Moyo’s continued presence on the NCLIS ensures that the academic voice remains part of national conversations around the future of libraries and information access.

Dr Mathew Moyo

Celebrating purpose, passion and progress with Khululwa Shibani

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:14:52 +0000

Celebrating purpose, passion and progress with Khululwa Shibani

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/26/2025 - 14:14

As South Africa commemorates Youth Month – a time to reflect on the courage, resilience and vision of young people – we turn the spotlight on Khululwa Nosipho Shibani. At just 29, she is not only shaping young minds as an educator at Christiana School for the Blind and Partially Sighted, but also contributing to groundbreaking community research. Her journey reflects the spirit of Youth Month: bold leadership, unwavering dedication, and a passion for building a better, more inclusive future.

Here, she shares her remarkable journey:

What did you study at the NWU?

In 2016, I enrolled for a Bachelor of Education in Senior and FET Phase at the NWU, majoring in Geography and Mathematics. I completed my studies in 2019.

What is your current profession/occupation?

I am currently an educator at Christiana School for the Blind and Partially Sighted, and a community researcher in the North West Province, assisting the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences with research focused on motherhood and albinism.

What gives you the most joy in your current position?

What I love most about my job is my learners – how extraordinary and talented they are. Discovering their abilities and unique gifts each day gives me the motivation to look forward to tomorrow.

What is your fondest memory from your time at the NWU?

My fondest memories are those I created while serving in leadership roles: hosting meaningful events, participating in them, and learning from other leaders who shared best practices. I also treasure the memories made with student political leaders, some of whom went on to serve in the Students’ Campus Council.

Apart from your studies, what are some of the most important things you learned at the NWU?

Strong leadership practices.

What inspires you?

I am most inspired by women in leadership, those who lead by example. These women have cultivated inclusive, diverse working environments in their institutions and continue to make waves, proving how great leadership can help build a strong and safe nation. The institutions they have led continue to grow and flourish. I would like to mention Ms Agnes Rasesemola, Circuit Manager of the Boitshoko Local Education Office in the Bojanala District, North West, and former Principal of Sunrise View Secondary School; and Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town.

What makes you positive about our country’s future, what doesn’t, and what would you like to change?

Our country may face many complex challenges that make it difficult to see its unique growth. Despite the rise in youth unemployment and crime, we must also recognise the positive developments in sport, academia and beyond. South Africa is home to prestigious institutions like the NWU, which are introducing programmes aimed at addressing our pressing social challenges through research. Our sportspeople are making their mark globally, showcasing their God-given talents in both sports and the arts. In recent months, our country has also stood as a symbol of peace, harmony and stability. With strong leadership, South Africa has the potential to become a powerful force on the global stage.

If you could give one message to our country’s youth on how to succeed in life, what would it be?

The youth must begin to prioritise their future – as individuals, community members and patriots. They should take the time to learn about our country’s history to better understand present-day affairs. Young people must become vocal advocates against the social ills affecting our communities and stand up to anything that hinders their progress. Those who have succeeded in their careers must take responsibility to lead – and as they rise, they must uplift others. It is time to take mental health seriously and stop relying on substances to cope. Success has no shortcuts; it demands hard work, determination and resilience. The youth should view life through the lens of reality rather than through social media filters. They must understand their purpose, knowing that we are all here for a reason and that life, ultimately, has no manual.

Khululwa Nosipho Shibani.

Balancing spreadsheets and ambition: Cimoné Louw’s journey of purpose and perseverance

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:01:03 +0000

Balancing spreadsheets and ambition: Cimoné Louw’s journey of purpose and perseverance

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/26/2025 - 14:01

In celebration of Youth Month – a time to recognise the boldness, creativity and grit of South Africa’s emerging leaders – we spotlight Cimoné Louw, a dynamic 26-year-old whose career path proves that precision, purpose and passion are a powerful combination.

What did you study at the NWU?

I studied Forensic Accounting at the North-West University.

What is your current profession/occupation?

I am a forensic accountant at StoneTurn and the owner of a small business called Cfisticated.

What gives you the most joy in your current position?

The unpredictability of each day is what excites me. Every investigation is different, and I love uncovering financial truths. It keeps me on my toes.

What is your fondest memory from your time at the NWU?

Wow, there are so many to choose from! But one memory that really stands out is the R20 “Platsak Ontbyt” my best friend and I had every morning at De Jonge Akker between classes. I miss that so much now.

Apart from your studies, what are some of the most important things you learned at the NWU?

I learnt what a huge privilege it is to study and attend university – something I once took for granted until I met so many fellow students who relied on bursaries, juggled extra jobs or worked to pay off student loans. NWU also taught me the importance of networking at social gatherings.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by hard-working people who rise above difficult beginnings, who refuse to let their circumstances define them, and who remain determined to succeed.

What makes you positive about our country’s future, what doesn’t, and what would you like to change?

Our tenacity and great sense of humour make me hopeful – we are incredibly hard-working, know how to hustle, and we’re a fun nation too!

On the downside, my line of work gives me a front-row seat to the magnitude of fraud and corruption in our country, which is deeply discouraging. If I could change one thing, it would be to recover the public funds lost to fraud and corruption, hold those responsible accountable, and invest that money into our communities – particularly in children’s education and wellbeing.

If you could give one message to our country’s youth on how to succeed in life, what would it be?

I believe success favours those who work hard. Believe in yourself. Network with people. Seize opportunities and take action. Most importantly – do not have a victim mentality!

Cimoné Louw

Floyd Shivambu and the fight for his political future

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 07:13:42 +0000

Floyd Shivambu and the fight for his political future

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/26/2025 - 09:13

Enigmatic and erratic, bold and belligerent. Floyd Shivambu walks the line between chaos and command like few other South African politicians do, with both his detractors and supporters asking: What is next for Floyd?

As has become the norm, Shivambu has recently evoked the ire of yet another of his political homes – the MK Party (MKP) – when he publicly stated his intentions to investigate the possibility of establishing a new political party.

This followed his removal as secretary-general of the MKP, accusations that he was planning to oust MKP founder and former president Jacob Zuma, and a fallout with Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.

All of this came in the wake of his very public stints and spats with the ANC Youth League and his defection from the EFF after serving as its deputy president.

Professor Kedibone Phago, director of the North-West University’s School of Government Studies, says that for Shivambu’s political ambitions to succeed, he needs a focused, clearly defined strategy.

“Floyd Shivambu’s departure from the EFF to join the Umkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) was unexpected and runs counter to conventional political logic. From what we’ve observed, his exit appears to be strategically motivated, not merely by a desire to align with Jacob Zuma, but possibly to undermine Julius Malema’s EFF. In his recent media briefing, Shivambu branded the EFF a ‘cult’ and, even after stepping down as MKP’s secretary-general and declining an MP offer, he chose to maintain his MKP membership. That suggests he is keeping his foothold while preparing to launch a new political platform,” says Phago.

He also notes that Shivambu’s social media activity implies he is testing the waters for a new party that reflects his ideological leanings. But the barriers to entry in South Africa’s current political arena are formidable: smaller parties often struggle to gain traction or sustain themselves.

“For Shivambu to succeed, he needs a clearly defined ideological positioning and a robust strategy. He is distancing himself from both the EFF and MKP, yet remains firmly on the left. His appeal may lie among disenchanted EFF and MKP supporters, with marginal EFF–ANC crossover. However, without a solid base, he faces an uphill climb in future elections.

Practically speaking, he might be better served by joining an existing party to consolidate influence – unless he can build a strong voter base that directly challenges

the EFF or MKP in the forthcoming local government elections. Achieving early success in those contests will be critical to any credible bid for 2029.”

Phago also issues a warning that Shivambu would be wise to heed: “Floyd Shivambu is embarking on a perilous political path. His future hinges on whether he can translate ambition into a sustainable alternative. Failure to do so could spell a lasting setback for his career.”

So, what is next for Floyd? If he continues down the same path as before, he might well be anointed South Africa’s King of Political Chaos. That said, hasn’t he already?

Prof Bismark appointed chairperson of SABS Board

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:00:13 +0000

Prof Bismark appointed chairperson of SABS Board

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/25/2025 - 12:00

He is known for setting the highest standards for himself, and now Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), has been entrusted with doing the same for the country. As the newly appointed member and chairperson of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), he will steer an institution that plays a critical role in setting and upholding South Africa’s national standards.

SABS was established under the Standards Act (No. 8 of 2008) and is the country’s official standards authority. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality, safety, and competitiveness of products and services. It is responsible for developing, promoting, and maintaining South African national standards, while also providing testing, certification, and technical services to both industry and government. Through its rigorous standardisation and conformity assessment processes, the SABS safeguards consumer interests, supports export readiness, and contributes to broader economic growth. As a custodian of public trust and funding, effective governance of the institution is not only essential, but also imperative.

Prof Tyobeka’s appointment is effective from 18 June 2025, and will run for a five-year term until 17 June 2030, and the announcement was made by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Honourable Parks Tau, who commended Prof Tyobeka’s exceptional expertise and leadership in fields critical to the work of the SABS.

“It is my pleasure to appoint you as member and chairperson of the Board of the SABS,” Minister Tau stated in the official letter. “Your appointment is in recognition of your experience and expertise in areas that I believe can contribute to strengthening the work of the SABS.”

This appointment and the scores of others on governing bodies, not only affirms the leadership credentials of Prof Tyobeka, but also highlights the NWU’s broader commitment to national development, good governance and institutional excellence.

Prof Tyobeka accepted the appointment on 23 June 2025, signalling his readiness to contribute to this vital institution. “I am honoured to serve in this capacity,” he said. “The work of the SABS is foundational to our nation’s industrial and economic health, and I look forward to supporting its mandate with diligence and integrity.”

NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine cements future with North West Department of Health partnership

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:22:55 +0000

NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine cements future with North West Department of Health partnership

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 06/24/2025 - 14:22

The future of the North-West University’s (NWU) Desmond Tutu School of Medicine was further consolidated on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between the NWU and the North West Department of Health (NWDoH) on the university’s Potchefstroom Campus.

“It is a privilege to be able to celebrate another milestone in the establishment of our medical school,” said Prof Awie Kotzé, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

“This strategic partnership with the NWDoH will ensure that our medical students have access to the province’s medical and infrastructural resources while serving the healthcare needs of the region. It has been a long journey to reach this point, and this collaboration promises a long and successful future for the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.”

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the NWU, officially opened the proceedings by stating: “Let it be recorded in the institutional memory of all our entities that, on this day, we chose collaboration over isolation, foresight over short-sightedness, and service over self. We affirm our mutual dependence and shared destiny.”

Prof Beth Engelbrecht, Governance Lead of the medical school, noted that this date would be remembered as a significant moment in the school’s history.

“Today is a momentous occasion. Thirty years ago, on 24 June 1995, the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup for the first time, and today we are once again making history with the signing of this MoA. Right now, there are Grade 10 learners who will be able to apply for enrolment at the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine in 2028. Isn’t that just so exciting?”

The Department of Health’s Deputy Director-General, Polaki Mokatsane, expressed his gratitude to the key stakeholders who made the occasion possible, saying that the signing of the MoA symbolises a deepening of trust between all parties involved.

“The signing of this MoA will propel the NWDoH and the province forward, and I am thrilled by the opportunities that this partnership will bring,” he said.

The medical school’s project lead, Prof Binu Luke, echoed the sentiments of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, remarking that “healing is not just about science; it is also about the human touch” and that “we must never lose sight of our deep connection to others”.

The MEC for Health in the North West, Sello Lehari, stated that the signing of the MoA marks the formalisation of a shared vision, emphasising the compelling need for a medical school in the province. He described the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine as “a game changer”.

“The medical school will translate research into real-world solutions. It will bring hope, dignity, and the right to quality healthcare to the province.”

NWU Council Chairperson, Bert Sorgdrager, also reflected on a historic moment, saying: “Today, the university and the province crossed an administrative Rubicon. There is no turning back now. Congratulations!”

QS ranks NWU among the top eight universities in South Africa

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:00:07 +0000

QS ranks NWU among the top eight universities in South Africa

by Willie du Plessis

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 06/20/2025 - 12:00

The North-West University (NWU) is firmly positioning itself as a globally engaged, innovative university committed to excellence and societal relevance. Prime examples of how the strategic priorities of the NWU align with the quest for globally relevant, sustainable solutions are the establishment and proposed establishment of three future-fit academic schools: the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, the School of Mines and Mining Engineering, and the School of Veterinary Sciences.

These and other innovative, cross-sectoral initiatives exemplify the university’s strategy – Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond – which prioritises internationalisation, partnerships and impact, among other things. This focus on strategic priorities is yielding positive results through the NWU’s consistently good performance in international rankings, cementing its reputation as a competitive, impactful global and local player and a sought-after higher-education partner.

The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings place the NWU among the top eight universities in South Africa and in the top 16 in Africa. London-based QS published its rankings for top global universities for 2026 on 19 June.

This current ranking encompasses 1 501 universities in 105 locations across the world. It considers survey responses and hard data to calculate a final score for each university. QS is the only ranking of its kind to emphasise employability and sustainability.

This year’s QS World University Rankings also introduce a new unweighted indicator called the International Student Diversity Indicator. This additional metric considers the ratio of international students to overall students and the diversity of nationalities those students represent. In this metric the NWU is in the 801+ ranking category.

These latest rankings follow the QS World University Rankings by Subject, which were published in March this year.

The Rankings by Subject placed four NWU subject groups in the top 850 globally. These are agriculture and forestry (301 to 350 category), environmental sciences (501 to 550), physics (551 to 600) and medicine (701 to 850).

Another recent ranking, released on 2 June, is the Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), which placed the NWU in the top 4,1% of global universities.

Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond

The university’s new strategy for 2024 and beyond comprises four key strategic priorities to guide the NWU in its continued quest towards excellence. These are results-orientated leadership, systems thinking and policy fluency, private-public value co-creation, and digital and green economy enablement.

According to Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for Teaching and Learning, the NWU’s continued good performance in the rankings affirms the impact of the work that NWU academics, researchers and other staff are undertaking, and that the university’s strategic focus aligns with global trends.

For more information, visit: https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/north-west-university, and for more about the NWU’s performance in various rankings, visit https://www.nwu.ac.za/rankings.

NWU-NCU joint research seminar strengthens international collaboration

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:30:52 +0000

NWU-NCU joint research seminar strengthens international collaboration

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/18/2025 - 14:30

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) and the Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) recently hosted a successful inaugural NWU-NCU Joint Research Seminar. This milestone event represented a significant advancement in the ongoing commitment of the NWU to fostering international research partnerships and promoting its strategic goal of internationalisation.

The seminar was the outcome of collaborative efforts led by Prof Aldona Glińska-Neweś from the NCU and Prof Ephrem Redda from the WorkWell Research Unit at the NWU. Their joint leadership, supported by both institutions, was instrumental in the development and coordination of this new academic platform that holds great promise for future scholarly engagement.

Reflecting on the importance of such initiatives, Prof Crizelle Els, director of the WorkWell Research Unit at the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU, emphasised that international academic collaboration is essential for meaningful and impactful research. “This seminar represents more than just a partnership between two institutions – it reflects our shared vision of producing impactful, globally relevant research through collaboration,” she said. “We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for joint publications, interdisciplinary engagement and the development of future research leaders.”

Earlier this year, an invitation was extended to NWU researchers to explore collaborative opportunities with colleagues at the NCU in Toruń, Poland. This invitation led to the identification and alignment of multiple research areas, laying a solid foundation for interdisciplinary collaboration. During the seminar, two presentations were delivered, showcasing the diversity and complementarity of expertise between the participating institutions. Prof Rafał Haffer from the NCU gave a presentation on the impact of the extent of process ordering in the workplace on employee attitudes and behaviour. His presentation was followed by that of Prof Bouwer Jonker from the NWU, who explored the influence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the attitudes and behaviours required of automotive assembly employees.

Prof Els said the seminar served as a dynamic forum for scholarly exchange, offering a platform to explore future joint research opportunities.

“Discussions following the presentations revealed several promising areas for collaboration, including joint publications, student exchange initiatives, and collaborative grant applications,” she explained.

Looking ahead, Prof Els said further joint activities are already being planned, and encouraged faculty members to continue exploring the possibilities outlined in the matched research areas. She added that

this collaboration between the NWU and the NCU was a vital step in building a globally engaged research community and advancing the university’s vision of international academic excellence.

Work with artificial intelligence but don’t fear it, says expert

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:55:02 +0000

Work with artificial intelligence but don’t fear it, says expert

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/18/2025 - 08:55

What happens when students begin to wonder if universities are still necessary? This was one of the questions posed by the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Prof Anné Verhoef during a talk for postgraduate students on artificial intelligence (AI).

“AI is changing everything,” said Prof Verhoef, director of the NWU AI Hub and a professor of philosophy. “It is not just about technology. It forces us to ask what makes us human and what skills will matter in the future.”

Organised by the NWU Alumni Office, the event took place on 22 May at the Mahikeng Campus and focused on how AI is reshaping the future of learning, research and work.

Prof Verhoef used the platform to challenge assumptions about the role of higher education in an AI-driven world.

He outlined how AI is now capable of producing text, images, videos and even reasoning through complex problems, and gave examples of how AI is applied in medicine, psychology, engineering and theology, raising questions about the future of human expertise.

“Jobs are disappearing. Others are being created. The key issue is not to fear AI but to work with it,” he said.

Free online course for students now available

To support this transition, the NWU has developed a free online course titled AI for Academic and Career Success. The course is open to all registered students and covers the basics of AI tools, their ethical use and career planning.

The course is designed to promote responsible AI use, Prof Verhoef said. Students will receive a certificate and a career plan once they complete it.

NWU Convocation President Tutu Kgobane encouraged postgraduate students to remain engaged with the university through the Convocation.

“Convocation is the voice of alumni in university matters,” he said at the event. “It is necessary to join because it keeps you connected and informed, and gives you a say in the future of the institution you studied at.”

The NWU AI Hub continues to lead the university’s efforts in promoting ethical, inclusive and practical use of AI through training, policy and academic programmes.

From left are Hloni Putsoane, Prof Anné Verhoef, Relebogile Sekati and Keabetswe Gopane.