Rugby has changed. It has evolved. Take a look at some of the games in the 70s, 80s and early to mid-90s. They were a bit of a mess, weren’t they? There was little structure (not like nowadays, anyway) and it was more of a scrap than a clinical exhibition. Yes, there were some spectacular tries, but they occurred because defence players relied more on defence than on drilled-in patterns and meticulous examination of the opposition’s attacking game. Those days are over and defence coaches like Jean Tiedt of the North-West University (NWU) are revolutionising the modern game.

There is a tenacity to Vernon Paulo’s approach to rugby that is, quite frankly, scary. The soon-to-be 22-year-old dynamo of a hooker has an appetite for destruction. Just ask Ikeys scrumhalf Asad Moos who, during the Varsity Cup final between the Eagles and the Tigers, decided to test the home team’s defence with a dummy. He failed. Paulo lined him up and smashed him back with impunity. Then there is his appetite for tries. He crossed the whitewash an incredible 12 times during the tournament. For a hooker … what is that all about? Those are numbers reserved for wings.

North-West University (NWU) vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka recently visited the Vanderbijlpark Campus to engage with student leaders from the Student Campus Council (SCC) and its substructures on the NWU’s strategy.

Student leaders were invited to share their thoughts and ideas to help shape the university strategy. This visit forms part of the multi-campus roadshows Prof Tyobeka is embarking on to gather input from various stakeholders.

By Zandile Nkosi and Belinda Bantham

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Career Centre recently hosted its annual career fair across its three campuses.

The aim of this event is to bring together students and potential employers in a centralised location to facilitate networking and information sharing, and to share recruitment opportunities.

Political titan, businessman extraordinaire, philanthropist and a figurehead of the ANC’s negotiation process in the early 1990s, Dr Mathews Phosa visited the North-West University (NWU) on 23 May and pulled no punches in detailing how to get the country back on track.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided on 25 May to increase interest rates by a further 50 basis points (bsp), citing risks to the inflation outlook as still being on the upside. The MPC’s major concerns continue to revolve around the possible second-round effects of higher headline inflation and exchange rate risks.

Living the North-West University (NWU) way means to be value-driven and proud. During a prestige event on 25 May the university rewarded dedicated staff and students for promoting and enhancing its culture and strategy.

The NWU’s first Media and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) Recognition Awards ceremony took place at the Roots function venue in Potchefstroom. Eighteen key influencers received recognition for their valued contributions as brand ambassadors, both internally and externally. Each of the recipients received a trophy, accompanied by a cash prize.

In recognition of World Hypertension Day, the NWU Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) organised a blood pressure monitoring event as part of the May Measurement Month initiative. The event aimed to raise awareness about hypertension or high blood pressure, shedding light on the importance of early detection and prevention. Distinguished researchers from HART shared valuable insights on hypertension, its risk factors and effective measures to reduce or prevent high blood pressure.

By Sandile Mahlangu

The North-West University (NWU) Museum celebrated International Museum Day on 18 May at the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus.

The single largest investment in nutrition leadership development ever on the African continent is bearing fruit, and the North-West University (NWU) is playing an important part in it.

The Leadership Development for Accelerated Progress in Nutrition in Nigeria (LEDA-NN) project of R20 million, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is driving change in nutrition, food systems and health in Nigeria.