A critical reflection on global university rankings: Power, perception and prestige
By Prof Linda du Plessis
Feature Article (Main Article on NWU News Page)
South Africa’s young trailblazer in education: Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo
The North-West University (NWU) proudly celebrates one of its shining stars, Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo from the Research Unit for Self-Directed Learning.
Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo received the South Africa’s Young Leader in Education award at the prestigious 40 Under 40 Awards ceremony held at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
This national recognition honours exceptional young professionals under the age of 40 who are making significant contributions as influential leaders and trailblazers in their respective fields.
Rankings confirm NWU’s steady path of excellence
The North-West University (NWU) continues to build on its reputation as a globally competitive and innovative institution, maintaining its position among the world’s leading universities in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. This achievement reaffirms the standing of the NWU locally and internationally and highlights its consistent pursuit of academic and research excellence. The new strategy of the NWU, Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond, is firmly guiding the institution in its pursuit of distinction.
Malgas eyes back-to-back Varsity Football finals
For North-West University (NWU) head coach Nkululeko Malgas, history is both a lesson and a motivator. The NWU Eagles thrashed the University of the Free State (UFS) 4-0 at home in last year’s semi-final, but stumbled to a 1-0 loss away this season. Now, with another home semi-final on Thursday, 25 September, he insists the slate is clean.
TRACTOR Awareness Rally departs: a journey of memory, hope and community
On a bright and sunny Saturday morning, 30 August 2025, the grounds of the Samuel Broadbent House in Potchefstroom became the starting point of a remarkable journey. The TRACTOR Awareness Rally (Together Rallying Across Communities To Overcome Remembrance-loss) began its 1 900-kilometre trip with an emotional departure.
September is Biodiversity Month - discover the NWU's wild side!
As part of Biodiversity Month, the NWU is proud to unveil its biodiversity information booklet, "From Soil to Sky: Get to Know Your Campus". This guide showcases the rich and diverse ecosystems thriving across our three campuses.
NWU School of Mines and Mining Engineering set for future success
The North West province of South Africa sits on a bedrock of riches. From platinum to chrome, vanadium to gold, the region is among the most mineral-endowed in the world. Yet its communities remain scarred by poverty and unemployment, relics of a resource economy too often divorced from local benefit. For a province where mines dominate both the landscape and livelihoods, the need to convert mineral wealth into long-term skills, jobs and technological leadership is a necessity.
Our vision for mining innovation gains ground in Latin America
On 10 June 2025, Prof Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), led a senior academic delegation on a strategic two-week mission to Brazil and Peru. The objective: to deepen global partnerships in higher education and research.
National Dialogue Outreach Session with former President Thabo Mbeki
The North-West University (NWU) in partnership with the Strategic Dialogue Group (SDG) and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation will host former President Thabo Mbeki for the inaugural session of the national dialogue discussions.
This event takes place on Saturday, 5 July 2025, at the Auditorium on the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus from 09:00 to 14:30 and attendees can join either in-person, or online.
Enhancing premarital counselling to increase marriage stability
The institution of marriage in South Africa is quietly collapsing. Many marriages that were once full of promise and joy are crumbling all too quickly, causing heartache, isolation and unstable connections within families. This reality has deeply concerned Pastor Gugulethu Ndlovu, a PhD student at the Faculty of Theology at the North-West University (NWU).