Human Interest

Enhancing premarital counselling to increase marriage stability

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:02:34 +0000

Enhancing premarital counselling to increase marriage stability

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 06/27/2025 - 09:02

The institution of marriage in South Africa is quietly collapsing. Many marriages that were once full of promise and joy are crumbling all too quickly, causing heartache, isolation and unstable connections within families. This reality has deeply concerned Pastor Gugulethu Ndlovu, a PhD student at the Faculty of Theology at the North-West University (NWU).

Pastor Ndlovu, a dedicated researcher and proud daughter of Bethal, Mpumalanga, has stepped up to explore the causes of marital instability among African Christians, as well as how churches can effectively prepare couples for the sacred path of marriage.

Her research, titled “Experiences of premarital counselling among African Christians in South Africa: A practical theological study”, aims at shifting perspectives in a world where “happily ever after” seems increasingly in doubt.

“Multiple studies highlight that premarital counselling strengthens relationships and is said to predominantly take place in churches. Yet, in our churches, it seems like it is either not happening at all or it is done in ways that do not adequately prepare couples to build stable marriages,” she says.

“We cannot ignore the rate at which marriages are failing, and we cannot simply pray it away – practical solutions are needed.”

With twelve years of experience in pastoral ministry – working as a pastor at Mount Olives Ministries since 2013 and founding her own marriage ministry, Knotted by Gusquare, in 2019, Pastor Ndlovu has guided couples and assisted them in forming deeper connections beyond the literal marriage knot. She tailors each session to the specific needs of the couple, focusing on accurately teaching Scripture, honest conversations and culturally sensitive practices.

“I always start by asking couples what they hope to gain from premarital counselling. It sounds simple, but that one question opens up so much. It helps me tailor the sessions to their actual needs instead of just giving generic advice. Yes, addressing biblical principles of marriage is significant, but it should be accompanied by the teaching of practical relationship skills like communication and conflict management skills,” she shares.

Her research findings revealed the shocking absence of formal premarital counselling in black churches. “Many married individuals I spoke to claimed that they were never offered premarital counselling by their pastors, although most pastors I interviewed claimed it is mandatory in their church. Instead, couples were given advice by church elders, what we call ukuyalwa,” Pastor Ndlovu notes.

Ukuyalwa, an indigenous practice of advice-giving, is a focal point in her research, and while some married individuals see it as beneficial, others criticise it for being outdated or sexist. “Certain teachings reinforce harmful gender roles. It is important that we preserve tradition while updating the content to not only be relevant, but biblically accurate too. The advice must reflect equality and mutuality as prescribed in Scripture, remembering that both husband and wife are created in the image of God,” she explains.

Pastor Ndlovu also highlights that current clergy-led premarital counselling often lacks structure. “Many clergy tend to rely on their personal experiences and views. None of the popular premarital counselling programmes and inventories are used by clergy, and that is a gap that needs to be addressed.”

She advocates for churches to integrate a skills-based approach and to implement premarital inventories or questionnaires. “These resources assist with efficiently eliciting information from couples, helping the pastor to better understand areas in which the couple may struggle. They also help the couple become more engaged in the counselling process,” she adds.

Further, she believes that churches should begin preparing young people for marriage long before their engagement. “We should not wait until someone puts a ring on it. Marriage prep should be part of the church culture through youth programmes, sermons and relationship seminars.”

Pastor Gugulethu Ndlovu represents a unique combination of wisdom, kindness and academic excellence. At only 33, she is already a two-time cum laude graduate, a member of the Golden Key Honour Society, and the current winner of the national Visualise Your Thesis Competition. As a full-time pastor and academic, she brings together both passion and intellect in every discussion on marriage, culture and faith.

Pastor Gugulethu Ndlovu

Struggles and shifting realities of informal traders during Covid-19 offer lessons for future crises

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:30:51 +0000

Struggles and shifting realities of informal traders during Covid-19 offer lessons for future crises MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 06/20/2025 - 13:30

By Gofaone Motsamai

When South Africa went into lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the economic impact was immediate. Informal traders – those who operate without formal registration or protection – were among the most affected. With no income, no access to trading spaces and limited government support, many were pushed into a state of deep uncertainty.

A recent master’s study by Koketso Sereo, a lecturer in philosophy at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, examines how informal traders experienced the lockdown and how they adjusted to its restrictions. The study focuses on the practical challenges they faced and their coping strategies, and what their experiences reveal about the state’s approach to informal economic activity.

The findings point to a system that failed to recognise or support this group during the crisis. Many informal traders lost stock due to spoilage or confiscation, while others faced confrontations with law enforcement. The permit system, intended to regulate trade during the lockdown, became a barrier rather than a solution.

“The inefficiencies in the permit system, combined with the absence of clear guidelines, pushed some traders to operate unlawfully – not out of choice but necessity,” says Koketso.

She found that most traders were left to rely on their own resources. Some moved their operations to their homes. Others continued trading in public spaces despite the risk of fines or arrest. These actions were not taken lightly, but were seen as the only way to earn a living in the absence of institutional support. “The government failed to support them,” Koketso states in her findings.

Why graduates and others with skills are turning to informal trade

Beyond the day-to-day struggles of informal traders, the study also highlights important shifts in who is participating in informal trade. “While previous research often highlighted women with limited education as the face of informal trading, my findings show an increasing number of men entering the space, as well as people with post-matric qualifications.”
This shift reflects a broader employment crisis, where even graduates and skilled individuals are turning to informal trade as a last resort.

“The idea that informal trading is only for the uneducated is no longer accurate,” Koketso explains. “More people are turning to it because they have few other options.”

Despite their resilience, informal traders cannot continue to navigate national crises without adequate support, she argues. Her study recommends practical policy changes such as simplified permit systems, targeted financial assistance, access to training and improved communication between the authorities and informal traders.

“The resilience of informal traders needs to be supported by responsive governance and practical interventions. We need to see informal traders as part of the economy, not outside of it.”

Her research suggests that planning for future crises must include informal traders from the start. Without that, they remain exposed to the same challenges that Covid-19 made visible.

Koketso Sereo

Singing your way to well-being and growth

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:36:48 +0000

Singing your way to well-being and growth

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 06/19/2025 - 07:36

Music’s power to heal, inspire and connect took centre stage during the inaugural lecture of Prof Conroy Cupido, director of the School of Music at the North-West University (NWU).

Hosted by the Faculty of Humanities at the Potchefstroom Campus on 12 June, the lecture explored the intersection of music, emotion and positive psychology.

Drawing on research and personal experience, Prof Cupido reflected on how singing supports emotional well-being, flourishing, personal growth and meaningful teaching. “Music offers us more than sound; it provides a space for reflection, connection and growth,” he said. “It allows us to understand ourselves and others through a different lens.”

The event featured live performances by students and staff from the NWU’s School of Music, blending scholarly insight with artistic expression.

The lecture positioned musical engagement as a catalyst for human flourishing, an idea grounded in Prof Cupido’s academic and professional career. “Flourishing is not a luxury, it’s an essential part of education and life,” he said.

Prof Cupido, who holds the first doctorate in vocal performance awarded to a South African, recently completed a Master of Arts in positive psychology at the NWU. His research focuses on music, well-being and the emotional dimensions of teaching and learning.

He also serves as president of the South African Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and is a board member of Cape Town Opera.

Prof Conroy Cupido.

Some races are worth running

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 11:12:50 +0000

Some races are worth running

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 06/13/2025 - 13:12

When the 2025 Comrades Marathon kicked off on Sunday, 8 June, Benjamin Tjiane was running more than just the 90-odd kilometres between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. He was pursuing a goal that had started during the Covid-19 lockdowns. What began as a personal challenge has evolved into something much deeper.

“My first race was 21 km in 2019. After Covid-19, I challenged myself to run 42 and 50 km races, which were qualifying criteria for the Comrades," Benjamin remembers, “and that is how I started running Comrades marathons, realising I have endurance."

Tjiane, a Venda Athletic Club member and a North-West University (NWU) master’s-degree student, finished this year’s Comrades in a time of 11 hours, 27 minutes and 53 seconds, supplementing his collection with a fourth medal. Crossing the finish line triggered an influx of emotions for Tjiane.

“I experienced a blend of emotions, feeling joyful for having made my family proud. The fact that I was being tracked on the screen until after 17:00 was a commitment that should not be overlooked. The realisation that I am adding the fourth medal filled me with immense excitement and joy,” he says.

Tough times never last

It turned out that Tjiane had had a difficult time throughout the first 30 kilometres of the race. “Down-run races are tough, and so was this year’s Comrades Marathon. It is all about applying brakes, which result in blisters, locked feet and cramps. The first 30 km of the race was tough, if not challenging – it is 45% of the total height to climb a mountain, and having passed Polly Shortts up to Drummond was a relief.”

Tjiane is not just noticing coincidences between his academic journey and his running. His research focuses on the “Adverse reporting of media in the administration of justice: case study on criminal court matters”, a subject dear to his heart because of his extensive legal background. “I have had 27 years in the legal fraternity and have seen the negative impact of the media. It is taking a toll on us," he states, referring to the pre-emptive judgements made by journalists and individuals on social applications.

Tjiane hopes his research will bring significant transformation. “Media sensationalism will stop; the judiciary will deliver quality judgements, and citizen journalism will exist no more, especially if the Criminal Procedure Act on case reporting can be enacted.” He notes similarities between his two endeavours, stating, "A runner should never be disturbed or interfered with during race preparations," similar to how the judiciary should function without media interference.

A philosophy, formed over 27 years in the legal fraternity, has helped him get through both the hard first 30 kilometres of the down run and the methodical process of his academic study. “When the going is tough, never give up. The race hills are like my research study – I will never stop until I reach the rewarding stage,” Tjiane adds.

His commitment is evident in more ways than one. He dedicated this year's Comrades to his daughter, Lethabo, who was unable to attend because of her exam obligations.

Health and excellence

At a time when many think about taking it easy, Tjiane illustrates that life after 40 can serve as a launchpad instead of an endpoint. His dedication to running is not just for awards or records; it is also to keep up the mental and physical strength needed for academic work and professional excellence. “Running is about self-discipline and self-motivation," he states.

Whether tackling the difficult obstacles of legal research or the notorious hills of the Comrades route, he has never considered quitting, emphasising that, “After each uphill, there is a downhill (to enjoy)”.

For Tjiane, whether he is sprinting towards a finish line or pursuing a degree, the core principles remain unchanged: discipline, determination and the unshakeable belief that each difficult kilometre brings him nearer to his objective.

Benjamin Tjiane

Congratulations! Tete Dijana wins Comrades Marathon … again

MARELIZE SANTANA — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 09:36:50 +0000

Congratulations! Tete Dijana wins Comrades Marathon … again

by Bertie Jacobs

MARELIZE SANTANA Sun, 06/08/2025 - 11:36

Comrades Marathon superstar Tete Dijana went supernova on Sunday 8 June when he won his third Comrades Marathon, following back-to-back victories in 2022 and 2023.

Dijana is an employee of Mi7, which is an external security service provider to the North-West University (NWU), and his reassuring presence on the Mahikeng Campus has made him a beloved member of the NWU family.

It was a stellar performance from Dijana who completed the 98.98 km distance from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in a time of five hours, 25 minutes and 28 seconds.

“The NWU is beyond proud of Tete and his remarkable achievement. Last year he struggled with cramps and injury niggles during the up-run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, where he finished in 14th position, but did he give up? No, he came back stronger than ever which shows his commitment and determination. There are so many lessons for us to not only learn from, but to try to and emulate in Tete’s journey. Congratulations Tete, you are a true ambassador of the NWU and an inspiration to all South Africans,” said Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the NWU.

Prof Tyobeka also gave his support and well-wishes to all the staff, alumni, students and friends of the NWU who is competing in the 98th edition of the world’s oldest and most well-known ultramarathon.

What Google Maps and churches have in common when it comes to lifelong learning

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 10:02:06 +0000

What Google Maps and churches have in common when it comes to lifelong learning BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 06/06/2025 - 12:02

By:Mafumane Tlhapi and Phenyo Mokgothu

The offline mode of Google Maps became more than a navigation tool when Pastor Piet Tlhabanyane, from Bethesda Kingdom Ministries (BKM), an NWU alumnus and a Council member, used it to explain the risks of outdated knowledge in church leadership.

“Without regular updates, even a tool as reliable as Google Maps leads you the wrong way. It’s the same with scripture. If we stop learning, we start misguiding,” said Pastor Tlhabanyane.

The NWU Faculty of Theology, in collaboration with the Alumni Office at the Mahikeng Campus, hosted the Alumni Guest Lecture on 29 May at the Protea Hotel in Mahikeng under the theme “The importance of lifelong learning for pastors and community leaders in changing times.”

Accuracy comes from constant study

Referring to 2 Timothy 2:15, Pastor Tlhabanyane explained the importance of correctly explaining the word of truth: “We must be accurate, and accuracy comes from continuous study.”

He stressed the need to simplify theological concepts. “Your message must be digestible. If no one understands you, your preaching serves no purpose.”

Addressing the challenges of a changing church environment, Pastor Tlhabanyane noted that the profile of congregants is different from a decade ago. He shared the story of a colleague who struggled to connect with a congregation that could no longer relate to English hymns.

“You must learn the language of the people, literally and culturally,” he said. “Ignoring the change doesn’t stop it.”

Churches face real-world issues

Pastor Tlhabanyane said the role of academia in ministry is not optional. “Theology doesn’t stand alone. It requires tools from other disciplines. We can’t avoid the real-world issues that walk into our churches.”

He referred to a church in India that had to adapt its message to a context filled with multiple deities. “We can’t use one-size-fits-all theology. Context matters.”

Practical ministry, he said, must meet the needs of the entire person. “We minister to minds, bodies, and spirits. And that means going beyond traditional methods.”

Lifelong learning, according to Pastor Tlhabanyane, is also tied to personal and professional development. “Learning keeps your curiosity alive. It keeps you teaching. It keeps you asking better questions.”

As ministry roles evolve, he noted the importance of adjusting accordingly. “You’re no longer just preaching. You’re managing, counselling, sometimes even troubleshooting tech.”

He pointed to AI as an emerging tool. “I used it to help write a proposal,” he said. “We must learn to work with it instead of fearing it.”

He also addressed the value of understanding different theological branches. “You can’t serve a diverse congregation with a single lens. You must know the full field.”

In his closing remarks, Pastor Tlhabanyane urged all pastors and community leaders to stay committed to learning. “You don’t need to know everything. But you do need to keep learning something.”

Guest lecture highlights shifting roles and responsibilities in modern ministry.

Setlogolo sa Bahurutshe booManyane leads the revival of Setswana culture

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 30 May 2025 08:02:11 +0000

Setlogolo sa Bahurutshe booManyane leads the revival of Setswana culture

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/30/2025 - 10:02

As the African continent marks Africa Month Africa Day on 25 May, a remarkable story of cultural resilience and leadership is unfolding in the North West Province.

Khumo Feni, a graduate from the first cohort of the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (B.IKS) programme at the North-West University (NWU), is taking centre stage in the documentation and preservation of Batswana indigenous knowledge systems (IKS).

Rooted in the traditions of the Batswana people and armed with academic training in Indigenous methodologies, Khumo is leading a groundbreaking provincial initiative to record, protect and revitalise the rich heritage of her community. Her work highlights the critical role women play in the custodianship of culture and knowledge.

Born in Taung, in the heart of the North West, Khumo was raised under the Baphuduhucwana Traditional Council, a culture-rich royal council situated in the UNESCO-declared Maropeng Cradle of humankind.

The Batlhaping ba ga phuduhucwana are amongst the few practitioners of go tlhatlhela Bojale and Bogwera Indigenous rites of passage, which are essentially long-standing education systems of Setswana culture in North West. Her grandmother, a Setswana language expert, cultural practitioner and oral historian from Mokgareng Village, was one of her first teachers, imparting Setswana knowledge that would later result in a distinction symbol for Setwana in her matric in 2012.

“Our knowledge was never lost; it was simply not digitised,” Khumo says. “I feel called to honour the voices of our grandmothers, borakgadi and magosi, by making sure that our stories, customs and wisdom are documented in our own languages.”

Her efforts form part of a broader provincial programme supported by the Department of Science and Innovation, in partnership with traditional authorities and research institutions.

At the core of this work is the systematic documentation of Batswana indigenous knowledge, including traditional healing practices and plant-based medicine, oral histories and praise poetry (lobolo, dithoko and difela), and indigenous food security systems.

What makes Khumo’s work unique is her community-based approach. Rather than extracting information, she works collaboratively with elders, traditional leaders and local youth. Her motto, “Moseka phofu yaabo ga a swe lentswe”, reflects her belief that indigenous knowledge must remain in the hands of those who live it. “As a Motswana grandchild, I carry the responsibility of protecting our ways,” she says. “Women have always been the silent archives of our traditions through song, storytelling, nutrition and healing. Now we are becoming the authors too.”

Inspiring a new generation

Her leadership has inspired a new generation of young IKS scholars who are being trained in indigenous research and decolonial scholarship methods under her mentorship. Many see her not just as a scholar, but as a cultural warrior, preserving identity in an age of globalisation.

“She has made us proud to be ambassadors of IKS, and always emphasises the need for us to commodify intellectual property embedded in our indigenous knowledge” says Bokamoso Nkunyane, a student under Khumo’s mentorship and herself a published author and poet.

Quinton, a fourth-year B.IKS student under her mentorship, adds: “She’s teaching us that meta-science is embedded in our culture and our elders’ knowledge.”

In honour of Africa Day, which celebrates the richness and diversity of African heritage, Khumo reminds us that IKS are not relics of the past but blueprints for the future. Her work reinforces that African solutions to African problems already exist within our communities, whether in data management and cybersecurity, healthcare access, conflict resolution, governance, social cohesion and moral regeneration, and climate change.

Khumo Feni

Ambassador Sandra Kramer highlights the strength of EU-South Africa partnership

MARELIZE SANTANA — Wed, 28 May 2025 06:55:41 +0000

Ambassador Sandra Kramer highlights the strength of EU-South Africa partnership

by Angeline Marokoane

MARELIZE SANTANA Wed, 05/28/2025 - 08:55

On 19 May 2025, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus hosted a distinguished public lecture on European Union (EU) - South African relations, featuring Her Excellency Mrs Sandra Kramer, EU ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, and Mr Fulgencio Garrido Ruiz, EU deputy ambassador.

Ambassador Kramer delivered a compelling address focusing on the evolving relationship between South Africa and the EU. She reflected on the EU’s origins as a peace initiative after World War II, grounded in core values such as democracy, human rights, freedom, and the rule of law. Her address contextualised the EU's role in a rapidly changing world shaped by global economic trends, digitalisation, and climate change.

The keynote theme - “European Union-South African Relations” - highlighted the strategic alignment between the two partners. With a shared motto of “United in Diversity,” Ambassador Kramer reaffirmed the EU’s support for South Africa’s G20 priorities of equality, diversity and sustainability. She stressed the common interest in boosting economic and social development, enhancing competitiveness, and creating jobs.

A significant focus of her address was the outcomes of the eighth EU-South Africa Summit, which included initiatives on trade, clean energy investment, critical raw materials, and peace and security cooperation. Ambassador Kramer echoed the message of EU president Ursula von der Leyen: “We are here to stay,” underlining the EU’s commitment to a long-term, values-based partnership with South Africa.

The presence of both ambassador Kramer and deputy ambassador Garrido Ruiz signified the EU’s dedication to strengthening its ties with South Africa through mutual respect, collaboration, and shared global responsibilities.

From left are Prof Dumi Moyo, executive dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof Sibusiso Chalufu, acting deputy vice-chancellor for Vanderbijlpark Campus operations, Mrs Sandra Kramer, EU ambassador, and Mr Fulgencio Garrido Ruiz, EU deputy ambassador.

Political stability seen as is key to boosting southern African trade

MARELIZE SANTANA — Wed, 28 May 2025 06:33:48 +0000

Political stability seen as is key to boosting southern African trade

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Wed, 05/28/2025 - 08:33

South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini need to work towards stabilising their political environments and improving governance to create a better climate for business and trade.

“Political stability is crucial for trade,” says Dr Mpho Lenoke, recent PhD graduate and a lecturer in the subject group Economics at the North-West University (NWU). “When governments prioritise stability, they make room for economic growth.”

He set out to understand how political conditions shape trade in southern Africa in a study titled “An econometric approach of a country’s political state on trade openness in South African Customs Union countries”.

“In South Africa, political stability seems to encourage more trade activities, while in Lesotho and Eswatini, political turbulence appeared to hold back economic exchange,” Dr Lenoke said.

For his analysis, which used data from 1996 to 2022, he employed advanced econometric models, including the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and panel-ARDL methods.

“In Lesotho and Eswatini, political challenges are linked to less openness to trade,” he said.

In contrast, political stability in South Africa was directly correlated with trade openness.

The study also highlighted the roles of inflation and population in influencing trade patterns across the three nations. In South Africa, for example, stable governance and inflation control were found to support trade growth.

Dr Lenoke’s findings point to a path forward for southern Africa: strengthen political institutions, align economic policies and boost cooperation within the region. For policymakers, his study serves as a reminder that political stability is not just about governance; it is a foundation for economic progress.

Dr Mpho Lenoke recently graduated with a PhD in economics.

Solar project adds power to parking areas and rooftops in energy overhaul

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 26 May 2025 06:04:42 +0000

Solar project adds power to parking areas and rooftops in energy overhaul

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/26/2025 - 08:04

Rows of parked cars and rooftops on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus now share space with banks of solar panels, part of a campus-wide plan to reshape how electricity is sourced, used and sustained.

The new decentralised solar energy system is being installed across most parking areas and rooftops at the campus. The system includes 1 820 panels, each generating 550 watts of power, with a collective capacity of 1 megawatt peak (1MWp).

The panels are connected through 15 mini-systems that feed directly into the campus’s internal power grid.

“The systems connect to the university’s grid through inverters, ensuring that the power generated is used entirely on campus,” says Hendrik Esterhuizen, who oversees energy infrastructure at the NWU.

He notes that the system is designed to meet the campus’s base load requirements and does not feed power back into Eskom’s grid. This is important because it ensures the solar system directly supports the campus’s energy needs without relying on the national grid.

With the new solar plants the university enhances energy independence, reduces pressure on the public system, and improves resilience during load-shedding or power interruptions.

“It effectively acts as a virtual emergency power generator, supporting the campus’s diesel generators by adding additional capacity during load-shedding,” he adds.

Cost savings expected in the long run

The investment carries long-term cost benefits. Each 100 kWp solar unit costs about R2 million, including infrastructure and carport installation, says Hendrik. “While solar is cheaper than grid electricity in the long run, the capital investment must first be recouped.” The expected payback period is five to seven years.

Diesel use is the most expensive option, costing roughly four times more than grid electricity, Hendrik says. “Our solar systems are already helping to reduce carbon emissions, and we calculate these reductions monthly.”

Building and connecting the systems on a functioning university campus has presented challenges. Construction teams have worked around academic schedules, including tests and exams. Infrastructural limitations, such as available roof space and electrical access points, have required tailored solutions.

This solar installation forms part of a broader, phased energy project across the university’s three campuses. A 385 kWp plant is in place at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, with a 2 500 kWp system at Potchefstroom and 1 500 kWp at Mahikeng.

Future construction and major renovations will include similar solar energy components.

The rollout reflects a university-wide shift toward greater energy independence and measured investment in long-term sustainability.

More solar panels are being installed at the Biko House postgraduate parking.