On 5 December, 2013, the world stood still as it mourned the passing of a man who transcended being a statesman. 

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was that, and so much more. He left a legacy cast in iron and forged in a fire of passion for humanity. No prison cell could restrain his ideals, no sounds of suppression, intimidation or fear could silence his voice.

As mournful as we were on that sorrowful day 16 years ago, so loud we are in celebrating his life on his birthday every 18 July.

A new initiative by the North-West University (NWU) is ensuring that staff and students have access to drinking water of the highest quality across its campuses. Through the university's Waterwise Project, the Mahikeng Campus has become the first to achieve this milestone, with every tap now delivering clean, safe drinking water that meets South Africa's national standards. The Vanderbijlpark Campus is expected to reach the same milestone by mid-September this year, followed by the Potchefstroom Campus at a later stage.

The North-West University (NWU) welcomed a high-level delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) to its Potchefstroom Campus on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, for a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration in nuclear science, research and human capital development.

African communities are stepping into the spotlight as equal partners in shaping knowledge. From 7–9 July 2026, at the African Community-Led Knowledge Co-Creation Conference at the North-West University’s Potchefstroom campus, bringing together academics, community leaders, and development partners to explore how collaborative knowledge creation can transform lives.

As the world accelerates its transition towards cleaner and more secure energy systems, Africa – and South Africa in particular – cannot afford to be spectators. Green hydrogen presents a unique opportunity to strengthen energy security, drive industrial growth, create skilled jobs and position the continent as a future leader in the global low-carbon economy. A sustained commitment to hydrogen research today could unlock long-term economic and environmental benefits for generations to come.

Rogail Joseph discovered her love for athletics in the streets of Rodewal in Worcester, and has always believed that she could achieve anything. Now, as a South African 400 m hurdler and Olympic semi-finalist, it is her dedication and self-confidence that have paved her way to the world’s biggest sporting stage.

She became a running sensation at the age of 16, competing in the 2016 400 m hurdles U/16 Championships in Germiston and the 200 metres heat at the National Secondary Schools Championships in Bloemfontein. From there, her success on the track took off.

The North-West University (NWU) Council unanimously elected a new chairperson and deputy chairperson at its Council meeting on Thursday, 18 June 2026.

René Kenosi, a qualified chartered accountant with more than 30 years’ experience in governance, risk management, audit and counter corruption, is the new chairperson, and Pastor Piet Maleme Tlhabanyane, a seasoned faith leader and community development practitioner, will serve as deputy chairperson.