Community Engagement

The decade of healthy ageing – responsibilities and prospects for the Africa we want

While Africa is a continent with a rapidly growing population of young people, it is crucial for the region to pay attention to the global agenda on ageing.

The United Nations declared the years 2021 to 2030 as the "Decade of Healthy Ageing". This global collaboration, aligned with the last 10 years of the Sustainable Development Goals, seeks to improve the lives of older people, their families and the communities in which they live.

Submitted on Tue, 02/27/2024 - 14:20

Change behaviour at work to save water

In the face of climate change and increasing water scarcity, the research of North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Lobina Palamuleni has highlighted the urgent need to save water at the workplace and to change how people – especially men – use water.

Prof Palamuleni, from the School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, says water conservation demands immediate attention, particularly the preservation, control and management of water resources.

Submitted on Fri, 02/23/2024 - 15:01

Chief electoral commissioner encourages voter participation

The Faculty of Law at the North-West University (NWU) recently collaborated with the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to organise a guest lecture at the Vanderbijlpark Campus in celebration of World Day of Social Justice.

The lecture, titled "Elections, democracy, and citizen participation," was delivered by Sy Mamabolo, the chief electoral commissioner of the IEC. The event also coincided with the proclamation of the general election date – 29 May 2024. This general election will mark 30 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa.

Submitted on Fri, 02/23/2024 - 14:53

Budget falls short in providing concrete solutions to pressing challenges

The South African Budget Speech of 21 February – delivered with a tone of optimism and commitment – reveals a government grappling with economic challenges while striving for progress.

Prof Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says that upon closer examination, concerns and unanswered questions emerge.

Submitted on Thu, 02/22/2024 - 10:54

South Africa’s approach to reintegrating criminals and managing crime is a catastrophic failure

Crime is destined to remain one of our most pressing social problems in South Africa if the stigmatisation of criminals is not addressed.

South Africa has one of the highest and most unsustainable rates of recidivism (reoffence) in the world.

First-time offenders, especially, are desperate to rejoin mainstream society. Government is failing in its responsibility to help reintegrate this marginalized group which would mean a safer South Africa for all.

Submitted on Wed, 02/21/2024 - 11:06

The Hillensberg Trust is the gift that keeps giving

For the past seven years, the Hillensberg Trust has made the dreams of several North-West University (NWU) students come true.

Celeste Rossouw, acting director for development and fundraising explains that the trust increased its grant amount by one million, which means this year the NWU can put four million to good use to assist approximately 35 students.

Submitted on Wed, 02/21/2024 - 10:01

Celebrating International Mother Language Day

There are more than 37 trillion cells in the human body. Some of them are similar, some have small variations and others are uniquely different. They have different functions, they serve different purposes. But, together they make you … well, you. What has this to do with International Mother Language Day, which will be celebrated on 21 February? Nothing, and everything.

Submitted on Mon, 02/19/2024 - 09:45