Academic

Faculty of Humanities hosts first Africa International Teaching Week

The Faculty of Humanities of the North-West University (NWU) is excited to host its inaugural Africa International Teaching Week (AITW) from 31 August to 5 September 2025 across its Vanderbijlpark, Potchefstroom and Mahikeng campuses.

This prestigious event invites 20 higher education practitioners based outside South Africa to participate in a vibrant academic and cultural exchange centred on the theme “The role of the humanities in social justice”.

Submitted on Thu, 05/08/2025 - 15:15

Public lecture to share insights on AI, ethics, and the future of humanities education

The Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU) will host a public lecture on 8 May 2025, exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and the future of humanities education in higher education institutions.

The event, to be held at the Mmabatho Palms Hotel and streamed online, will also mark the official launch of the university’s new Centre for Teaching Excellence.

Submitted on Fri, 05/02/2025 - 12:48

Deepening global ties through expanded German collaboration

Opportunities for international research experience are one of the many benefits of the newly expanded research and teaching partnership between the North-West University (NWU) and Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz (HSZG) University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

The two universities, who have had an engineering collaboration for over two decades, have deepened their partnership following a three-week visit by HSZG’s Prof Frank Worlitz to the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus in April this year.

Submitted on Wed, 04/30/2025 - 08:37

NWU to award honorary doctorate to leading voice in African scholarship

One of the world’s most-cited African scholars, Prof Toyin Falola, is deepening his connection with the North-West University (NWU) and its Mahikeng Campus in particular. Two years after delivering a public lecture there on indigenous languages and global cultural shifts, he is returning to receive an honorary doctorate from the NWU.

Submitted on Tue, 04/29/2025 - 11:16

New study explores future biology teachers’ views on AI in the classroom across two continents

A new international study is shedding light on how future biology teachers from South Africa and Indonesia perceive the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom, and what they believe is needed to make it work effectively.

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education and member of the Research Unit for Self-Directed Learning at the North-West University (NWU), led the comparative study. It focused on the perceived benefits of AI in biology education and teachers’ self-reported Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK).

Submitted on Fri, 04/25/2025 - 06:56

No increase in VAT is the right decision

The decision by the National Treasury not to increase value-added tax (VAT) on 1 May is the right one in the current circumstances.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says after an intensive debate a rise in VAT was eventually seen to be unnecessary, and economically and politically it also failed to command wide support.

Submitted on Thu, 04/24/2025 - 15:59

Weevils alone will not permanently eradicate Hartbeespoort Dam’s hyacinth problem

By Gofaone Motsamai

While the release of weevils into the hyacinth-infested waters of the Hartbeespoort Dam is a welcome development, these insects alone cannot be expected to permanently solve the dam’s pollution problem.

“The use of weevils must be part of an integrated plan to resolve the issue,” says Prof Wynand Malherbe from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Water Research Group in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management.

Submitted on Thu, 04/24/2025 - 08:30

Industry expert translates operational theory into real-world practice

In a dynamic step towards bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world industry practice, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted an enriching guest lecture as part of the Operations Management (BMAN 213) module.

Submitted on Thu, 04/24/2025 - 08:28

African economies should adapt to global challenges amid US-China tariff wars

In a timely Pitso webinar hosted on Friday, 11 April, the North-West University (NWU) Business School featured distinguished panellists who discussed the vulnerable status of African economies caught in the crossfire of escalating international tariff wars. As countries on the continent compete for both economic sovereignty and competitive advantage, the discussion focused on how the economic power struggle between the US and China is changing trade landscapes throughout Africa.

Submitted on Thu, 04/17/2025 - 08:29