In William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet asks the age-old question: ‘What’s in a name?’ In the case of North-West University researcher Prof Nico Smit, the answer is clear ― his name is synonymous with expert contributions in the field of zoology.

This celebrated academic and parasitologist taxonomist follows in the footsteps of revered people such as biologist and author Sir David Attenborough and former President of the United States Barack Obama. Just like them, Prof Smit can also boast that living species have been named after him.

His name is synonymous with hard defence, smooth skills and an indestructible engine without a reverse gear. Andre Fouché is steel moulded in the forge of the NWU Rugby Institute, and this year his play is the talk of the town.

Oldrin Masowa

The lack of finances remains a stumbling block in accessing tertiary education, particularly in South Africa.

This is why the North-West University (NWU) partnered with Standard Bank in launching a Standard Bank student loan to assist undergraduate and postgraduate NWU students to finance their 2023 studies.

What makes this student loan different, is that eligible students can apply without providing surety.

It is a pass. That is the conclusion of a panel of experts that was hosted by the North-West University (NWU) Business School on whether the 2022 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) should receive a “fail” or a “pass” rating.

On Wednesday, 26 October, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the MTBPS, with generally favourable reactions.

The North-West University (NWU) recently hosted the second International Conference on Information Literacy (ICIL) on the Potchefstroom Campus.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic prevented the holding of the conference in 2021, many sighed with relief when things returned to normal and restrictions were eased.

By Sandile Mahlangu

The NWU Symphony Orchestra recently held a Christmas Comes Early concert at the NWU Sanlam Auditorium at the Potchefstroom Campus.

The orchestra was preparing the North West community for the Christmas season with Christmas carols and a Christmas playlist.

André Oosthuizen, the orchestra conductor, said “the concert was to showcase the work that the group has been doing. Playing Christmas music is great and fun for everyone involved, and we just wanted to present a nice, uplifting concert.”

Workers in the public sector are furious with government, accusing it of negotiating “in bad faith” after wage negotiations collapsed following the employer’s 3% wage offer.

Only one of the unions represented, the South African Democratic Teachers Union, has accepted the offer.

Thousands of workers were expected to picket countrywide to demonstrate their unhappiness with the offer on Monday, 31 October. Read more here.

The dream of the North-West University (NWU) to be an internationally recognised university was recently given a boost by the appointment of its principal and vice-chancellor as adjunct professor at one of the top universities in the United States of America.

By Oldrin Masowa

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Agricultural Sciences hosted its first ever Agri-Career fair on 19 October on the Potchefstroom Campus.

During the event, final-year students presented the findings of their soil science research and had the opportunity to network with the agricultural industry.

“The aim of the fair is to prepare students for the world of work to expose them to new agricultural skills and technology,” says senior lecturer in Agricultural Sciences, Dr George van Zyl.

By Oldrin Masowa

Where words fail to deliver the message, music becomes the answer. The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Music hosted its annual Bursary Winners’ concert to recognise and honour its students for their achievements on 25 October.

Bursaries were awarded to both undergraduate and postgraduate full-time music students, as well as conservatory students who are enrolled for extra-curricular music lessons.