In 2024, as we celebrate the North-West University's (NWU’s) 20th anniversary, our festivities will spread joyous purple cheer and leave a distinct purple footprint wherever we touch down – for we are going to dance, leap and soar.

In 2004, the NWU came into existence through the merger of the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (its branch in Vanderbijlpark included), the University of North-West (formerly the University of Bophuthatswana) and the Sebokeng Campus of the Vista University.

The North-West University (NWU) is delighted to announce that the Minister of Health, Dr M.J. Phaahla, MP, has officially supported the university’s plan to establish the NWU Medical School. “I am pleased to inform you that the NDOH was happy with your university’s initiative of setting up a medical training programme that has unique features of integrating primary health care early into the training of medical doctors. I am therefore pleased to provide your institution with my support in principle.

The Higher Education and Leadership Management (HELM) organisation launched the Student Affairs and Student Success (SASS) programme earlier this year at the Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre in Benoni, Johannesburg.

SASS is a national leadership capacitation programme for university staff who are engaged in the development, support and provision of services for students. The programme aims to significantly promote student success, institutional leadership and social justice at public universities across the country.

The Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene (SAIOH) Annual Conference, held from the 23rd until the 26th October 2023, in Cape Town, served as a distinguished platform to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of researchers and postgraduate students from the North-West University’s (NWU) affiliated with the Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI).

The vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Prof Bismark Tyobeka, extended a warm welcome to participants in the 22nd Southern African Universities Staff Sports Association (SAUSSA) Games at the NWU during the official opening that took place at the Great Hall on the Mahikeng Campus on 11 December 2023. The event, promoting sportsmanship and camaraderie, is set to take place from 11 to 15 December 2023, showcasing athletic prowess and fostering a sense of community among universities in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Eight countries are taking part.

On 29 and 30 November 2023, the Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI) of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) hosted a workshop to share knowledge and best practices regarding the use of direct-reading methodologies and sensors in occupational hygiene. Themed "The changing landscape of occupational hygiene: Challenges and opportunities presented by real-time exposure data", the event brought together 50 professionals, including international representatives, government bodies, universities and industry experts.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and bhive Enterprise Development Centre collaborated with I AM Youth, Radio Pulpit, Radio Cape Pulpit and TBN Africa to offer an entrepreneurial training and development programme – culminating in a Pitch Your Business competition – to empower young entrepreneurs.

Representatives of the North-West University (NWU) supported the Christmas party for underprivileged children hosted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the School of Artillery, Klipdrift Military Base on Saturday, 2 December 2023.

Among the distinguished guests were Brigadier Steven Moodley, station commander at the SAPS Potchefstroom, and Colonel Des Ayob, director of Protection Services at the NWU. Mrs Lizelle le Roux, from the office of the deputy-vice chancellor for Information Technology (IT) and Potchefstroom Campus Operations, was the other guest.

On Monday, 4 December 2023, South Africa’s biggest self-administered medical scheme, Bestmed, hosted a webinar in collaboration with the North-West University (NWU) as part of their Tempo health and wellness programme.

The aim of the event, according to Ms Bonita Maboeta, senior wellness specialist at the NWU, was to raise awareness of and overcome the stigma surrounding the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).