Feature Article (Main Article on Potchefstroom Campus News Page)

Emerging woman leader selected for prestigious Abe Bailey Fellowship

For Mohau Phala, leadership has never been about holding a title or being in the spotlight. Instead, it has always been about serving others, making a difference and leaving people and communities better than she found them. 

It is this commitment to servant leadership that has earned the North-West University (NWU) law student a place among South Africa's emerging young leaders as a recipient of the prestigious Abe Bailey Fellowship.

Submitted on

Professor's international recognition shines spotlight on sustainable water research

Prof. Kapil Moothi from the North-West University (NWU) has earned international recognition for his pioneering research on sustainable water treatment after presenting two peer-reviewed papers and serving in key leadership roles at a prestigious global environmental conference.

Submitted on

Empowering the next generation of women entrepreneurs through TransformHER

The North-West University (NWU) continues to strengthen its commitment to entrepreneurship development and women's economic empowerment through its participation in the international TransformHER initiative. This is a collaborative project that equips young women with the confidence, entrepreneurial capabilities and networks needed to shape their entrepreneurial futures.

Submitted on

Madlanga Commission and IDAC testimony: Is SA witnessing the failure of leadership or the failure of its anti-corruption system?

The testimony presented before the Madlanga Commission on 29 July 2026 concerning the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), together with the resignation of its head, Adv. Andrea Johnson, should serve as a watershed moment in South Africa's fight against corruption. 

Opinion piece by Dr Nkosingiphile Mkhize, a senior lecturer in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Government Studies

Submitted on

Special moment for dean as daughter graduates in programme she championed

Twelve years ago, Prof. Liezl van Dyk, executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering, came to the North-West University (NWU) on a mission: to play a central role in developing industrial engineering as an impactful discipline at the university. Her daughter, Karla, was 10 years old at the time. Now, on 31 March this year, Prof. van Dyk experienced the fruits of her labour first-hand when Karla graduated as an industrial engineer.

Submitted on

Researchers demonstrate that conservation and development can go hand in hand

While cities in Africa expand rapidly and the pressure for economic growth is increasing, the protected areas on the continent face a complex challenge: how to conserve nature and empower people.

At the North-West University (NWU) the Protected Areas Research Group, led by Prof. Reece Alberts, Prof. François Retief, Prof. Claudine Roos and Prof. Dirk Cilliers, is working to find exactly that balance.

Submitted on

Dr Monray Williams is helping to lead Africa’s virology charge

The battle against HIV in sub-Saharan Africa has always been as much about systems and science as about the virus itself. Antiretroviral therapy has turned what was once a death sentence into a manageable condition.

Yet, as Dr Monray Williams of the North-West University (NWU) cautions, “millions of people still face barriers to prevention and treatment. Poverty, limited healthcare infrastructure, and social stigma continue to shape who gets care and who does not.”

Submitted on

The future of NWU Sport is not just bright, it’s purple

“At NWU Sport, our passion is sport, and we are privileged to make our passion our work.” 

These were the words of Mervyn Taylor, manager of the NWU Rugby Institute, as he concluded the North-West University (NWU) Sports Awards on 21 October. His statement captured the spirit of an evening that celebrated commitment, teamwork and excellence across all sporting codes at the university. 

Submitted on