Institutional News

Safe drinking water on tap thanks to NWU Waterwise Project

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.

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IAEA delegation explores research collaboration at NWU

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.

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NWU hosts Communities for Knowledge Creation at the African Knowledge Co-Creation Conference.

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.

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Government must stop confusing paperwork with performance

  • The Governing Body Foundation national report on the administrative load of public-school principals should force a national conversation about the administrative burden placed on schools and public institutions.
  • When did paperwork become more important than educating children? 
  • South Africa's principals are becoming administrators when they should be lead
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NWU commits to helping power Africa’s hydrogen future

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.

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Africa’s hurdle queen is driven by self-belief

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.

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New leadership at the helm of the NWU Council

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.

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Why South Africans are staying away from the polls

South Africa's voter turnout has been falling for more than two decades, even as the country's electoral system was designed to broaden political participation. New research by Dr Naledi Modise, Political Science and International Relations lecturer at the North-West University (NWU), suggests that the decline is not only a matter of voter attitudes, but also a consequence of how the country's electoral institutions function

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Best Practice Teaching and Learning conference highlights innovation and student success

The North-West University (NWU) held its yearly conference about good teaching and learning practices at the Emerald Hotel in Vanderbijlpark on 26 and 27 May 2026.

The main theme was "Rethinking Teaching, Learning, and Assessment: Helping Students Succeed in the Digital Age”. This event gathered academia, educators and learning experts to look at new ways to teach in universities.

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