Jerry Bangude knows a thing or two about getting the best out of people. Why? Because he knows how to get the best out of himself.

It is this attribute that has helped shape his career as motivational speaker and author since he graduated from the North-West University (NWU).

“I want to motivate and inspire people, and I want to help people realise their full potential. I want them to unleash their greatness within. Most importantly, I want to help people follow their dreams so that they can live a fulfilled and purpose-driven life,” he explains.

On 16 May Andrew Banda made history when he became the first graduate to receive a PhD in social sciences with a focus on ageing and development in Africa from the North-West University (NWU).

This research PhD is the product of the Optentia research unit and is a first in Africa. It is designed to cultivate a deeper understanding of ageing within the unique context of Sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this degree is to generate evidence, foster knowledge and catalyse transformative change in policies and programmes tailored to the needs of older individuals and communities.

Moses Phiri, widely known as DJ 10111, graduated with a PhD in statistics from the North-West University (NWU) on 22 May 2024.

He is the second DJ to achieve this academic milestone at the NWU, following DJ HK who earned a PhD in geography in 2022.

Born and raised in Mahikeng, he completed his bachelor’s degree in statistics in 2009 and his honours degree (cum laude) in 2010. His pursuit of education continued at the Gordon Institute of Business Science, where he completed a postgraduate diploma in general management in 2018 and an MBA in strategic leadership in 2020.

Moses Radebe, a two-time world Morganti Ju-Jitsu and a five-time national Ju-Jitsu champion, graduated with a PhD in radiation science at the North-West University (NWU) on 20 May 2024.

Moses also holds a BSc in computer science and physics, and a BScHons and MSc in applied radiation science.

His PhD thesis was on “The design, construction, and validation of a radon chamber for the calibration of radon monitors at the North-West University, South Africa”.

The spectacular aurora also known as the Southern Lights, caused by a solar storm that impacted the Earth on 10 and 11 May, was seen and captured across the southern hemisphere, including in southern Africa in places such as Gansbaai and in Namibia.

A team of researchers from the North-West University (NWU) captured this rare and historic event through the university’s solar telescope observatory on the Potchefstroom Campus.

Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe, North-West University (NWU) academic and research professor in the research niche area Indigenous Language and Media in Africa, recently added a significant accomplishment to his literary portfolio with the publication of his novel Dark Leaves.

Former Springbok captain and firebrand Cheetahs and Bulls hooker, Adriaan Strauss, graduated with honours from North-West University (NWU) with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) on Thursday 25 April.

The graduation ceremony was held on the NWU's Potchefstroom Campus.

In 2022, Strauss enrolled for his MBA at the NWU's Business School, and two years later, he added another qualification to his CV.

Through its digital innovation competition – which is designed to identify and support digital payment innovators – Absa recently honoured students from selected universities who took part in the competition.

As part of Absa’s inaugural commercial payments competition awards ceremony, the group of student finalists convened at the Sandton Convention Centre on Tuesday, 16 April. They received recognition for their outstanding interventions in the field of digital payments.

The Optentia research unit of the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a symposium on technology, humanity and ethics, emphasising the importance of balancing technological progress with ethical considerations and human rights to ensure advancements support sustainability and individual well-being.

Optentia director Prof Ian Rothmann says the event aimed to bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from various fields to collaborate towards a more equitable and humane technological future.

- Africa must take ownership of its own wildlife.

- Botswana has proven how effective it is at sustainable wildlife conservation.

- Hunting is an effective tool to manage wildlife sustainably.

Germany’s proposed ban on the import of hunting trophies over poaching concerns has drawn the ire of Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi. Botswana is home to the world’s largest elephant population, which has grown to more than 130 000.