DJ Hans Kekana, better known as DJ HK, took off his headphones and stepped out from behind his turntables to receive a PhD in geography during the North-West University’s (NWU’s) graduation ceremony on 23 May 2022.

This adds to his already impressive list of successes in academic research, public service, the music industry, entrepreneurship and events management.

His journey

Hans registered for his first-year studies at the former University of Bophuthatswana (Unibo) in 1992 and joined the South African Student Congress (Sasco).

A group of 15 researchers from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management recently presented their work at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Europe conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The theme for the meeting was “Towards a reduced pollution society”.

According to one of the NWU researchers, Dr Hannes Erasmus, a variety of topics were discussed, ranging from laboratory-based studies to field studies in terrestrial, fresh water and marine ecosystems.

During the month of May, then acting vice-chancellor Prof Linda du Plessis hosted multi-campus events to thank the frontline staff members for working hard during the registration period amidst Covid-19 challenges.

It was a blissful day for Prof Ntate Dan Kgwadi, former North-West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, as his only child Ofentse Kgwadi graduated recently.

Ofentse was among the droves of NWU graduates who were conferred degrees at a graduation ceremony held at Kompas Gemeente in Vanderbijlpark. 

Unfortunately, due to work commitments, Prof Kgwadi, who was expected to be part of the NWU graduation procession, could not witness the moment. Prof Kgwadi recently assumed office as vice-chancellor at the Vaal University of Technology.

The numbers speak for themselves: a vast number of women in South Africa are living in danger. According to a study by Statistics South Africa, one in five (21%) women with partners has experienced physical violence by a partner in their lifetime, and 6% have experienced sexual violence. The prevalence of physical violence is the highest among women in the Eastern Cape, while the North West province has the highest rate of women who have experienced sexual violence (11,8%).

According to German economist Klaus Schwab, the Fourth Industrial Revolution has the potential to empower individuals and communities, as it creates new opportunities for economic, social, and personal development.

Werner du Toit, house parent of the Kgosi Dick Montshioa and Mbada student residences on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, embraced this wholeheartedly.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, in conjunction with the North West Premier’s office, will be hosting the official launch of the renaming of the Provincial Bursary Scheme to the Victor Thebe Sifora bursary scheme on 1 June 2022.

The renaming of the scheme is aimed at promoting and preserving the legacy of VT Sifora as an academic, activist and struggle veteran.

The bursary scheme will provide financial support to prospective students from poor backgrounds to grant them access to various institutions of higher learning.

The battle against the scourge of fraud and corruption plaguing South Africa is raging and the country needs a brave new generation of forensic accountants ― of whom there is currently a dire shortage ― if it wants to win the fight.

Disadvantaged youth are at the forefront of the push against corruption through a new partnership that will address the shortage of forensic accountants. The partners are the NWU, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Thuthuka Education Upliftment Fund (TEUF) of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

Ontiretse Motingwa

The School of Nursing on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus recently joined the rest of the world in honouring the significant contribution that nurses make in people’s lives by celebrating International Nurses Day.

International Nurses Day is observed annually on 12 May to honour nurses for their hard work and dedication, and for being the backbone of the health care system despite working under stressful conditions.

North-West University (NWU) Alumnus Siyabonga Mhlabane has been nominated for the FOYA Awards 2022 in the category of the Most Promising Founder of the Year under 30.

Launched in 2016, the annual FOYA Awards recognises and appreciates young founders contributing  to the development of the African continent, while creating sustainable jobs through entrepreneurship and inspiring others to start their own businesses.