Community Engagement

Bafenyi Trust warms hearts with faith and food

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:06:55 +0000

Bafenyi Trust warms hearts with faith and food

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 12/09/2024 - 12:06

Dineo Mdingane has always believed in the power of community and the importance of lending a helping hand to those in need. As the managing director of Bafenyi Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to uplifting people in difficult circumstances through ministry and practical support, she has turned her passion into action.

One of the trust's most impactful initiatives is a soup kitchen in Promosa in Potchefstroom.

It started in 2020, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Dineo and her team at Bafenyi Trust recognised the growing need for food security within their community.
"We started by sending food parcels to community members in need," she recalls. "The government had issued essential services permits, and we were fortunate to be granted one."

The soup kitchen is still going strong today. It feeds 11 groups of people, five focused on children and six on adults. Altogether, meals are served to 1 300 people every week.

That is just a small part of the work Dineo and her team do.

Branching out into life skills and education

"The programme has evolved beyond just giving people food," she explains. "We offer life skills training in areas like parenting and financial management, helping people become more self-sufficient and encouraging them to view their lives differently."

For the children, Bafenyi Trust runs an after-school programme that offers support in subjects such as mathematics, English, and Afrikaans, while helping them develop a positive attitude toward their studies.

Dineo's passion for community engagement stems from her own academic and personal experiences. She began her studies at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus, initially enrolling in social work due to her strong desire to help disadvantaged people.

However, after a year in social development studies, she realised it wasn't the right fit for her. This realisation led her to psychology, driven by her interest in the mental and emotional healing needed in rural communities.

Her studies in psychology and sociology provided her with the tools to make a meaningful impact, particularly in breaking the stigma surrounding therapy. She graduated with a BA in psychology and sociology in 2017.

Collaboration and connections

The Bafenyi Trust's work is done in collaboration with others, including volunteers. As part of their 67 minutes of service for Mandela Day, a team from the NWU Corporate Relations and Marketing division visited the Bafenyi Trust. They donated groceries on behalf of the Alumni Relations office and assisted in preparing food for the groups, further strengthening the connection between the university and the community it serves.

Dineo highlights that the importance of collaboration, working closely with others who share the same heart and mission. "We're committed to helping people win, to providing a helping hand wherever we can because the need is there, and because we have the capacity and resources to help."

Their work is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose and a compassionate heart.

Deep roots in faith and community

Janneman van Wyk and Elsa Coetzee founded Bafenyi Trust in 2010. Initially, it focused on supporting preschool practitioners by helping them register with the relevant departments, providing training and supplying teaching materials. Over time, their mission expanded as they sought to address the broader needs of the communities they served.

At the centre of everything Bafenyi Trust does is a deep commitment to faith. "We are a faith-based organisation, and while we're focused on meeting practical needs, sharing the gospel is at the heart of our mission," Dineo shares. The trust is driven by a desire to help people not only survive but thrive. We equip them with the tools and mindset needed to excel and view their lives in a positive light.”

Progress Mpangane, Eagi, Dineo and Abigail Oliphant unpack the donation from the NWU’s Alumni Relations office.

Team members from Corporate Relations and Marketing and the Bafenyi Trust.

Ottosdal learners’ excellent reading abilities impress NWU visitors

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 09:56:14 +0000

Ottosdal learners’ excellent reading abilities impress NWU visitors

by Belinda Bantham

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 12/09/2024 - 11:56

The importance of reading literacy has come to the fore since an International Reading Literacy Study found that only 20% of South African Grade 4 learners can understand the meaning of what they are reading, regardless of the language.

While this is cause for concern, the NWU Library and Information Services (LIS) team recently had a positive experience of young learners’ reading abilities. The team had the privilege of visiting Letsosa Location in Ottosdal in the North West Province on 20 September 2024 to celebrate International Literacy Month and Heritage Month in partnership with the Refentse-Katlego Youth Development Centre.

This event was a powerful gathering, with the ward councillor, several non-governmental organisations, parents, teachers, church leaders and other key stakeholders joining forces to emphasise the vital role of literacy in shaping the future.

At the heart of the event was the mission to promote the importance of reading and literacy, particularly in indigenous languages, is in line with the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032) as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.
The LIS donated books to the community centre, contributing valuable resources that will empower learners – the leaders of the future – with essential literacy skills. This gesture contributes to three sustainable development goals (SDGs). These are SDG 4 (Quality education), SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the goals).

In celebration of International Literacy Month, the event featured readathon sessions where selected learners from local schools showcased their talents. Impressively, they read in both Setswana, their home language, and English. Their bilingualism and fluent reading abilities underlined the success of the Refentse-Katlego Youth Development Centre in fostering and inculcating a culture of reading literacy from a young age.

The ward councillor also participated in the readathon, reading out loud to the attendees, including one of the community elders, to encourage youth to read and to demonstrate the importance of literacy.

A spirited gumboot dance performance brought energy to the gathering, serving as a reminder of South Africans’ shared heritage and the vibrant traditions that bind people together.

Through this event, LIS reaffirmed its commitment to advancing literacy and celebrating culture in our communities, demonstrating that, together, we can make a lasting impact.

The NWU's Library and Information Services (LIS) team was impressed with the learners from Ottosdal's reading abilities.

Beatrix Bouwman meets Pope Francis – a historic moment for global service-learning

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 09:42:25 +0000

Beatrix Bouwman meets Pope Francis – a historic moment for global service-learning

by Angeline Marokoane

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 12/09/2024 - 11:42

In a groundbreaking moment for the North-West University (NWU) and global service-learning, Beatrix “Bibi” Bouwman, director of sustainability and community impact (SCI), met His Holiness Pope Francis on 9 November 2024 during the V UNISERVITATE Global Symposium in the Vatican City.

This meeting marked a significant milestone in the NWU’s partnership with UNISERVITATE, a global network fostering community engagement in higher education institutions.
UNISERVITATE, an international initiative dedicated to institutionalising service-learning in Catholic higher education institutions, shares core principles with the NWU’s SCI mission. Founded on collaboration, respect for diversity and collective creation, UNISERVITATE promotes holistic education that combines academic excellence with ethical values – values deeply embedded in the NWU's teaching strategies and community engagement policies.

"At the NWU we believe in education that goes beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of social responsibility and ethical leadership," Bibi remarked. "Our collaboration with UNISERVITATE reflects this commitment."

Bibi has been a key figure in UNISERVITATE’s academic sounding board since 2019, leveraging her experience as the former chairperson of the South African Higher Education Community Engagement Forum. Representing the African hub based at Tangaza University in Nairobi, she provided strategic leadership to enhance service-learning initiatives across the continent. "The project aims to build hubs where meaningful community service can thrive, creating a sustainable impact worldwide," Bibi explained.

The V UNISERVITATE Symposium, hosted by LUMSA University, culminated in a private audience with Pope Francis. The two-day event featured discussions on institutionalising solidarity service-learning, with workshops and plenary sessions exploring its intersections with the Global Compact on Education and the Sustainable Development Goals. Bibi co-presented a workshop on “Changing of the Heart and Mind”, a concept central to the transformative approach of solidarity service-learning.

During the audience, Bibi presented Pope Francis with a special gift: a set of the NWU’s famous pens, crafted by Prof Louis du Preez from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management.

"The pens, made from purpleheart wood (Peltogyne paniculata), turn purple when exposed to sunlight. This wood, indigenous to South America – the Pope’s homeland – symbolised our respect and connection," she explained. The pens were presented in an engraved box, a token of the NWU’s deep admiration and goodwill.

"We shook hands, and I conveyed our best regards and good wishes on behalf of the NWU," Bibi shared. The personal interaction left a lasting impression, reinforcing the shared commitment to education that transcends borders.

The collaboration between the NWU and UNISERVITATE highlighted the universal power of service-learning to foster empathy, leadership and community engagement. Despite South Africa having no Catholic universities, the involvement of the NWU underscored its commitment to global dialogue and sustainable impact. “This partnership recognised the NWU’s expertise and reinforced our approach to meaningful community engagement,” Bibi noted.

The meeting with Pope Francis was more than a ceremonial event; it symbolised a shared commitment to education that transforms lives. For Bibi and the NWU, it was an opportunity to showcase South Africa’s contributions to global service-learning and to draw inspiration from one of the world’s most influential moral leaders.

As the symposium concluded, the message was clear: education is not just about knowledge, but about cultivating hearts and minds ready to serve a better world. For the NWU and its global partners, the journey towards a more compassionate and just society has taken a profound step forward.

Bibi Bouwman and His Holiness Pope Francis. She presented the Pope with a special gift.
Credito: ©2024 Servicio Fotografico Vaticano

A special gift to Pope Francis: a set of the NWU’s famous pens, crafted by Prof Louis du Preez from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management.

The pens, made from purpleheart wood (Peltogyne paniculata), turn purple when exposed to sunlight.

Academic sounding board members present: Andrew Furco, Leticia López Villareal, Daniela Gargantini, Bibi Bouwman, Arantzazu Martinez Odria, and Bojana Culum.

African hub leaders and rectors of Catholic universities from Africa.

Empowering leadership through sustainability

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 09:22:03 +0000

Empowering leadership through sustainability

by Mafumane Tlhapi

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 12/09/2024 - 11:22

North-West University (NWU) alumnus Lebohang Raputsoe recently hosted a virtual leadership development workshop through her non-profit organisation, The ABC Community. This initiative aimed to inspire and connect young people, with a particular focus on empowering young women to think and act sustainably.

Lebohang says the workshop provided a platform to explore sustainability from various perspectives such as individual, household, community, national and global levels. It also encouraged networking and collaboration among attendees to ideate and implement sustainable community development projects.

Participants were divided into four focus groups, namely entrepreneurship, youth unemployment, learning and development, and philanthropy, each addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for 2030. This structure fostered meaningful discussions and heightened engagement by aligning attendees with topics about which they were passionate.

“The workshop highlighted the interconnectedness of sustainability and leadership, empowering attendees to lead with purpose and align their projects with long-term success that benefits people and the planet,” Lebohang explains.

Insights and future directions

Lebohang acknowledged the challenges faced during the workshop, including difficulty in finding interested participants and accommodating diverse schedules. Despite these hurdles, dividing attendees into focused subgroups proved effective, creating a space for ideas to flow and ensuring active participation.

Looking ahead, Lebohang envisions enhancing future workshops by incorporating actionable tools and measurable strategies and fostering partnerships with corporate sponsors to support sustainable initiatives. She also proposed creating mentorship opportunities where alumni serve as speakers and guides, sharing their experiences and holding participants accountable for their goals.

This workshop marks the beginning of a larger movement, setting a strong foundation for sustainable leadership and community development.

Lebohang Raputsoe.

NWU pioneering the role of community engagement through innovative research

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 09:25:24 +0000

NWU pioneering the role of community engagement through innovative research

by Angeline Marokoane

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 10/09/2024 - 11:25

The North-West University (NWU) continues to affirm its commitment to advancing community engagement through innovative research methodologies.

This commitment was recently exemplified at the African Centre for Training in Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Knowledge for Change (K4C) at Gulu University in Uganda.

It is here where the NWU showcased its dedication to integrating CBPR and indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) with its community engagement strategies. These efforts underscore the role of the NWU as a leader in fostering collaborative research that not only addresses local challenges, but also contributes to global knowledge.

Building bridges through collaborative research

At the heart of the community engagement initiatives of the NWU is the use of CBPR, a methodology that transforms the traditional research paradigm by actively involving community members in the research process.

CBPR ensures that research is not only about communities but also conducted with and for them, addressing their needs and aspirations. This collaborative approach is key to producing outcomes that are directly beneficial to the communities involved, ensuring that the research has a tangible, real-world impact.

The recent Gulu training provided an invaluable opportunity for the NWU to strengthen its commitment to CBPR. The training emphasised the importance of bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications, highlighting how CBPR can be a powerful tool for community empowerment and sustainable development. By fostering mutual learning between academics and community members, the NWU is enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of its community engagement activities, ensuring that they are responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.

Valuing indigenous knowledge for sustainable development

Another cornerstone of the NWU's approach to community engagement is the integration of IKS with its research and outreach efforts. IKS represents the collective wisdom and practices of local communities, rooted in their cultural heritage and long-standing traditions. By incorporating IKS into its research methodologies, the NWU not only enriches the research process, but also ensures that the solutions developed are culturally appropriate and sustainable in the long term.

The Gulu training highlighted the critical role of IKS in promoting sustainable development and preserving cultural heritage. The NWU's emphasis on IKS reflects a broader understanding that meaningful community engagement must respect and incorporate the

knowledge and practices of the communities involved. This approach not only honours the cultural identity of these communities but also enhances the sustainability of development initiatives by grounding them in locally accepted practices and beliefs.

Role in the global Knowledge for Change (K4C) Consortium

The participation of the NWU in the UNESCO K4C Consortium further solidifies its position as a global leader in community engagement. The K4C Consortium is a global partnership that seeks to address both local and global challenges through community-university collaborations. By being an active member of this consortium, the NWU is contributing to the co-creation of knowledge that is both contextually relevant and globally significant.

The Gulu Residential Training Programme, as part of the K4C initiative, provided the NWU with an opportunity to engage with other global partners in refining and expanding its community engagement strategies. This participation highlights the dedication of the NWU to fostering skills in community-based research, not only among its academics but also among community members. Through this global network, the NWU is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of community engagement, ensuring that its initiatives are both innovative and impactful.

Commitment to real-world impact

The involvement of the NWU in the K4C Gulu Residential Training Programme is a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to community engagement through innovative research.

By integrating CBPR and IKS into its strategies, the NWU is ensuring that its research efforts are not only academically rigorous but also deeply rooted in the needs and realities of the communities it serves. This approach not only bridges the gap between academia and the real world but also ensures that the university's community engagement activities have a lasting and meaningful impact.

The work of the NWU in this area is a powerful example of how universities can play a transformative role in society, contributing to sustainable development and global knowledge creation.

Opening day of the UNESCO K4C Residential Training Programme in Gulu, Uganda. Prof Openjuru L George, vice-chancellor of Gulu University, delivers a welcome address to the delegates, setting the stage for the collaborative sessions ahead.

Jeeva Munsamy from the Central University of Technology participates in an indigenous tree-planting ceremony during the training programme, symbolising growth and sustainability.

UNESCO K4C chairs and delegates enjoy an authentic traditional dance performance, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the local community.

Dr Karen Venter from the University of the Free State receives a heartfelt gift from a young girl in the village.

Delegates outside the headquarters of the Global Institute of Applied Governance in Science and Innovations, led by Prof Catherine Hoppers.

Delegates engage in collaborative discussions, emphasising the integration of CBPR and IKS for sustainable community engagement and development.

Empowerment Foundations unite for educational upliftment

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 08:44:06 +0000

Empowerment Foundations unite for educational upliftment

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 10/09/2024 - 10:44

In a commendable effort to address social issues and uplift the standard of living in the Barolong Boo Mariba communities, the School of Philosophy in the Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU) has partnered with the Tswelelopele Empowerment Foundation.

This collaboration is focused on engaging with seven local communities through educational empowerment initiatives, with a particular emphasis on supporting learners in their journey towards higher education.

On 2 August 2024 both organisations held a simultaneous event across multiple schools, highlighting their commitment to these communities. Since 2021, the NWU and Tswelelopele have been hosting annual career exhibitions, inviting various stakeholders to share crucial information with Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners from Mothibinyane High School, Mothusi Marumuloa Secondary School, Kagiso Barolong Secondary School, and Ntshidi High School. However, an informal monitoring and evaluation process revealed that, between 2021 and 2024, fewer than 30 learners from these schools had registered at the NWU.

Several factors contribute to this low enrolment, including lack of admission to bachelor’s-degree programmes, delayed applications, missed opportunities to attend NWU open days, and the university's capacity constraints. In the light of these challenges, the organisations decided to revise their strategy. Instead of hosting the usual career exhibition this year, they opted to visit the schools directly, offering hands-on assistance with the application process under the campaign named #WeAreHereToHelp.

The initiative targeted Grade 12 learners and those who had already matriculated in the seven villages. "Living in a remote, disadvantaged community is sometimes a challenge for learners, and getting any form of educational empowerment means a lot to them. It is for this reason that we help where we can," says Amantle Mothelesi, one of the key coordinators of the project.

Despite the positiveness of the initiative, the challenges remain significant. Some learners lack the necessary identity documents required for university applications – a problem rooted in a lack of parental support. In response, Tswelelopele Empowerment Foundation members are exploring ways to assist these students.

While recognising that not all learners will make it to university, stakeholders remain hopeful that this new strategy will yield positive results, providing much-needed support to those who aspire to further their education.

Initiative aims to overcome challenges in access to higher education

North-West University hosts Community Engagement Stakeholders Forum meetings

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 06:48:32 +0000

North-West University hosts Community Engagement Stakeholders Forum meetings BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 10/08/2024 - 08:48

The North-West University (NWU) is pleased to announce its upcoming Community Engagement Stakeholders Forum meetings, scheduled to take place across its three campuses in Mahikeng, Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark.

We acknowledge that social dynamics and the complexity of challenges faced by our communities necessitate universities such as the NWU to have strategic partnerships with external partners to achieve a sustainable impact. To attain this, we are guided by the NWU Strategic Plan: 2024 and beyond, which employs community engagement (CE) as an important catalyst to drive teaching and learning (T&L) and research and innovation (R&I).

Therefore, these annual stakeholders forum meetings represent a significant step forward in our mission to engage meaningfully with all our communities and drive positive change. “We look forward to fostering innovative partnerships and tackling societal challenges together as we get to know one another,” says Bibi Bouwman, director of Sustainability and Community Impact.

The forum meetings also aim to strengthen the NWU's ties with current and potential stakeholders. These ties are aimed at fostering strategic collaborations between various sectors and academia to create opportunities for students’ placement for service learning and co-creation of knowledge through research. This initiative underscores the university's commitment to becoming a more responsive and inclusive institution.

An invitation is extended to all civil society organisations, schools, faith-based organisations, industry partners, local government institutions and the business sector to join the forum and explore opportunities for collaborative impact.

We have invited a renowned guest speaker, Ms Monica Brown, who will be talking to us about empathetic leadership. The title of her talk is “Leading with heart and mind: the importance of empathy and authority in community development”.

Monica Brown, a South African activist and social entrepreneur, has transformed her personal experience as a survivor of gender-based violence into a global mission for justice and equality. As the founder of SCREAMZA, a voluntary organisation promoting awareness of and response to gender-based violence (GBV), and through her consultancy, South Africa Scream Pty Ltd, she works to ensure that organisations implement effective diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) and GBV programmes. Her activism has gained international recognition, and she continues to mentor global advocates and push for systemic change, using her platform to challenge norms and create a more equitable world.

Please click here for more information about the upcoming Community Engagement Stakeholders Forum meetings.

Forum meeting details:

- Mahikeng Campus: 16 October 2024 10:30 – 12:30

- Potchefstroom Campus: 17 October 2024 10:30 –- 12:30

- Vanderbijlpark Campus: 18 October 2024 10:30 – 12:30

Registration: Interested stakeholders can register using the following link:

For enquiries, contact Mr Lester Mpolokeng and Tumelo Legae on the details below: Tumelo Legae: tumelo.legae@nwu.ac.za 0182852598/0726532766 Lester Mpolokeng: lester.mpolokeng@nwu.ac.za 0183892951

Community Engagement Showcase marks 20 years of impactful projects

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 12:19:45 +0000

Community Engagement Showcase marks 20 years of impactful projects

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 10/02/2024 - 14:19

The North-West University (NWU) held a Community Engagement Showcase on 30 September 2024 on the Mahikeng Campus to celebrate the impact projects that have been implemented in the NWU’s 20 years of existence.

Highlighting the NWU’s commitment to apply academic knowledge to address community needs, the event showcased the various projects through posters and stalls, and featured discussions on ongoing projects. These discussions aimed to highlight the university's role in harnessing the expertise of its three campuses to benefit the broader society.

Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, emphasised the importance of mutual learning between the NWU and the communities it serves.

"We firmly believe that knowledge-generating and knowledge-sharing should not be a one-sided affair. As much as we share our research findings and innovative ideas with society, we make it our business to engage with our communities to learn from and be taught by them," she said.

The showcase featured contributions from the NWU’s faculties, and attendees had the opportunity to explore a variety of initiatives, from local agricultural programmes to health interventions and educational outreach.

Faculty members stood by their stalls, discussing their work with curious visitors, while community leaders shared their experiences in collaborating with the university. The visual display of ideas and research provided a tangible sense of the NWU’s ongoing impact.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, spoke about the university’s 20-year journey in community engagement, reflecting on its growth. He traced the formalisation of these efforts to the 1997 White Paper on Higher Education, which shaped the NWU's policies on working with communities.

Despite the challenges of limited funding and resources, Prof Tyobeka highlighted several milestones, including the establishment of a Community Engagement office and the alignment of the NWU’s projects with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"Sixty percent of our community engagement projects now have monitoring and evaluation tools, which help us measure their success and ensure that we adapt to the changing needs of the communities we serve," he said. He stressed the importance of ethical clearances for research projects and called for more consistent funding and partnerships with private sector organisations to ensure sustainability.

Other speakers at the showcase included Pastor Piet Tlhabanyane, an NWU Council member, Kgosi Thari Maotwe from the House of Traditional Leaders, Mike Gcaba, an NWU alumnus and businessman, and Dr Margaret Irvine from Rhodes University.

They all echoed the importance of collaboration and highlighted the role of community engagement in tackling critical issues such as unemployment and food security. Their insights added to the growing conversation on how universities such as the NWU can continue to serve its communities by addressing local challenges.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, addresses the audience at the NWU’s Community Engagement Showcase.

Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, emphasises the importance of mutual learning between the NWU and the communities it serves.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka at one of the stalls at the Community Engagement Showcase.

NWU to honour Peter Monametsi Chiepe during the upcoming Spring graduations

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 08:13:22 +0000

NWU to honour Peter Monametsi Chiepe during the upcoming Spring graduations

by Oscar Mosiane

MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 09/26/2024 - 10:13

The North-West University (NWU) is pleased to announce that an honorary doctorate will be conferred upon Peter Monametsi Chiepe, an esteemed earth scientist, social entrepreneur, distinguished businessman, and farmer from Botswana during its Spring graduation ceremony on Thursday, 3 October 2024.

As a cattle breeding specialist and owner of Desert Ranch Reproduction Management Centre, Mr Chiepe will be honoured for his immense contribution to agriculture in South Africa.

The university congratulates Mr Chiepe and all the students that will be graduating in the upcoming Spring graduations.

The conferral of Mr Chiepe’s honorary degree and the Spring graduation ceremony will also be live streamed – more details to follow.

As we eagerly await these celebrations, please remember the following:
Spring Graduations
Date: Thursday, 3 October 2024
Location: NWU Great Hall, Mahikeng Campus

We invite you to participate in the celebrations across all our social media platforms using the hashtag #MyNWUGrad2024.

Members of the media interested are requested to confirm attendance with Phenyo Mokgothu on 076 687 9250 or phenyo.mokgothu@nwu.ac.za.

Issued by NWU Corporate Relations and Marketing
Mr Oscar Mosiane
Manager: Communication
Tell: 018 389 2144
Cell: 076 684 5014
oscar.mosiane@nwu.ac.za

Mr Peter Monametsi Chiepe.

Mini-Cricket festival showcases young talent

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:20:55 +0000

Mini-Cricket festival showcases young talent

by Zenoyise John

MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 09/26/2024 - 09:20

The North-West University's (NWU’s) Sports Business Management Department recently hosted a Mini-Cricket festival as part of a community engagement initiative, aiming to promote youth participation in sports, particularly cricket, among primary school students in the Vaal Triangle region.

The event took place at the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus and was a resounding success, drawing in participants and spectators from all over the region. It provided a wonderful opportunity for young athletes to showcase their talents and engage in friendly competition.

The event was organised by Dr Anita Lennox, Jackie Bonnema and Fanie Roos, and focused on mini-cricket teams consisting of children aged six to nine. Notably, the NWU, Spur and RocoMamas proudly sponsored the event, contributing to its success and impact.

Dr Lennox says the purpose of the event was to promote youth engagement in sports, foster teamwork among children, and to provide an opportunity for schools to participate in an organised cricket event.

"The festival served as a platform to connect communities through sport. In addition to being a festival for kids, the NWU Mini-Cricket event integrated teaching and learning into its structure, with NWU students involved in the planning and execution of the festival. This hands-on experience helped students develop skills in event management, community outreach and teamwork, complementing their academic studies," she says.

Dr Lennox says she is satisfied with the event, and that it provided valuable hands-on experience for students in organising a large-scale sporting event. She adds that the strong participation from schools across the Vaal Triangle region highlighted the success of the event.

"The sense of community and camaraderie that permeated the festival was truly heartwarming. It was evident that the event had a positive impact on all those involved. We had a significant turnout, with a total of 590 kids, around 850 spectators, and 110 coaches in attendance," says Dr Lennox. She adds that the event also strengthened relationships between local schools and brought families together to support youth sports in the region.

“The success of this year's event sets a promising precedent for future engagements and reaffirms the commitment to promoting youth participation in sports within the Vaal Triangle region.”

The NWU Mini-Cricket event is an annual initiative, with the next festival scheduled for 6 September 2025.