While science and technology are important, these disciplines should not eclipse the need for moral reasoning, history and cultural understanding, said renowned scholar Prof Toyin Falola in a public lecture at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus on 8 May 2025.

Emphasising the critical role of humanities education in shaping Africa's future, his lecture, titled “Humanities education for Africa's futures”, explored the growing marginalisation of humanities disciplines in favour of technology and science.

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

One of the world’s most-cited African scholars, Professor Toyin Falola, has received an honorary doctorate from the North-West University (NWU).

The degree was conferred on 9 May 2025 during a graduation ceremony held at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus. This recognition marks a significant milestone in the university’s relationship with the eminent historian, who delivered a public lecture recently humanities education for African futures.

The Optentia Usiba Writing Retreat 2025, held recently at the tranquil Khaya iBhubesi Conference Centre in Parys, brought together over 76 researchers, doctoral candidates and academic staff from across South Africa and beyond for four days of transformative learning, writing and scholarly connection.

Hosted by the Optentia research unit of the North-West University (NWU), the retreat created a space for structured research progress, intellectual exchange and personal rejuvenation, set against the backdrop of the Vaal River’s peaceful landscape.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.