By Gofaone Motsamai

An air of possibility and curiosity pervaded the campuses of the North-West University (NWU) in May as prospective students, parents and guardians attended a series of Open Day events.

The Mahikeng Campus hosted the first event on 10 May, followed by Potchefstroom on 17 May and Vanderbijlpark on 24 May. Each event offered a glimpse into the academic programmes, student support services and inclusive culture the NWU prides itself on.

In an exciting move that promises to reshape how we think about education, the North-West University (NWU) has joined hands with the University of Lincoln in the UK to bring Arcademia, a dynamic, game-based learning initiative, to South Africa.

This collaboration stems from a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions in November 2023. At the heart of this partnership lies a shared belief: that learning can be innovative, hands-on and even ... fun.

Living out core values is not just encouraged at the North-West University (NWU) – it is celebrated. On 22 May, the university hosted a recognition and rewards ceremony to acknowledge staff and students who embody the spirit and excellence of the NWU.

Now in their third year, the NWU Media and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) Recognition Awards acknowledge those who go above and beyond as ambassadors for the university. At this year’s event, held at the ANEW Resort Hunters Rest in Rustenburg, 13 exceptional individuals received awards across eight categories.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s revised third Budget is a pragmatic one, given the current circumstances.

This is the view of Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School. In commenting on the third Budget presented to Parliament on 21 May, Prof Parsons says that, as was stressed by the Finance Minister, various compromises and trade-offs have now been inevitable to achieve a workable balancing of the books that builds confidence.

Dr Tshepo Alex Malapane, an alumnus of the NWU, was honoured with the Most Influential Man in South Africa 2025 award in a powerful moment of national pride and reflection. This prestigious recognition was part of the 2025 Influential Men & Artes Awards, a landmark event celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to South African society. The awards ceremony, held at Gold Reef City on 27 April 2025, was organised and hosted by Big M Productions.

The North-West University (NWU) has once again shown it is the knowledge hub of choice in the province. The latest high-profile graduate is the North West Legislature’s chief whip, Motlalepue Ziphorah Rosho, who received her master’s degree in communication at the recent graduation ceremony held at the Mahikeng Campus’s Great Hall. A former member of the Executive Committee for Finance in the province, Motlalepue was also a spokesperson for the North West Department of Agriculture.

The 1% rise in the unemployment level in the first quarter of 2025 raises another red flag about South Africa’s weak growth performance.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says with the gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecasts for 2025 having been progressively reduced by various institutions and economists to about 1,5% and below, it is not unexpected that this should now be reflected in higher unemployment levels.

Nursing is an indispensable, noble profession – the backbone of our healthcare sector. It demands unwavering commitment and a dedication to serve a purpose higher than oneself. Too often, nurses are the unsung heroes of healthcare, but not today. Every year on 12 May, the world celebrates International Nurses Day, marking the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

Today, we collectively reflect on the immeasurable value of nurses as they are deservedly placed in the spotlight.

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

One of the world’s most-cited African scholars, Professor Toyin Falola, has received an honorary doctorate from the North-West University (NWU).

The degree was conferred on 9 May 2025 during a graduation ceremony held at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus. This recognition marks a significant milestone in the university’s relationship with the eminent historian, who delivered a public lecture recently humanities education for African futures.

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

Spearheading curriculum change, empowering educators to use decolonial syllabi and engaging students as critical thinkers and change agents is the mission of the new Centre for Teaching Excellence and Curricular Engagement (CTECE) at the North-West University.

The new centre, marking the university’s commitment to redefining education in the Faculty of Humanities, was launched at Mmabatho Palms Hotel and streamed online on 8 May 2025.