Human Interest

NWU hosts groundbreaking AI workshops with international experts

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:23:26 +0000

NWU hosts groundbreaking AI workshops with international experts

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 03/24/2025 - 14:23

The North-West University (NWU) is once again leading the way in innovative educational practices with the recent artificial intelligence (AI)-focused workshops organised by its Technology Enhanced Learning and Innovative Training and Education in South Africa (TELIT-SA) research entity.

In collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), these workshops, held on 19 and 20 March 2025, were aimed at enhancing the integration of AI within higher education.

Under the guidance of Prof Liandi van den Berg from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and director of TELIT-SA, this initiative has made significant strides in embedding AI into both teaching and learning environments.

The workshops brought together lecturers and staff from the university’s Vanderbijlpark and Potchefstroom campuses to explore the transformative potential of AI in the classroom, led by a team of international experts from the Netherlands.

The highlight of the workshops was the involvement of three international AI education specialists from Fontys University of Applied Sciences: Koen Suilen, Mark Mettler and Mario Paiano. The team, from Fontys’ Centre of Expertise AI for Society: Team Blended Learning shared their wealth of knowledge with participants through interactive and practical sessions. Topics covered included AI and Creativity, AI: Train the Trainer, and AI Systems, offering valuable insights into the evolving role of AI in modern education.

These workshops focused not only on giving lecturers a solid understanding of AI systems, but also on equipping them with creative techniques for effectively incorporating AI tools into their teaching strategies. By fostering a deep connection between theory and practice, the workshops empowered attendees to harness AI's capabilities and integrate them meaningfully into their classrooms.

In addition to sessions for lecturers, the international team also hosted two dedicated sessions for NWU students. These workshops provided students with the skills to create more effective prompts for generative AI systems, enabling them to produce compelling images and videos. Furthermore, students were taught how to use AI to code and develop an elementary computer game, ensuring they could engage with AI tools creatively and technically.

The inclusion of practical applications such as these is one of the key strengths of the NWU’s approach to AI education. Rather than just discussing AI in abstract terms, the university’s workshops allow students to develop hands-on expertise, preparing them for the rapidly changing landscape of technology.

Prof Van den Berg emphasised the importance of collaboration with Fontys University: “These workshops demonstrate the innovative potential of AI in education. Collaborating with Fontys has not only enriched the knowledge and skills of our lecturers and students, but it has also inspired them to harness AI creatively, responsibly and effectively, shaping the landscape of teaching and learning in South Africa.”

With these successful workshops, the NWU is also offering an open invitation to other educational institutions that are keen on integrating AI into their teaching practices. Prof Van den Berg and her team at TELIT-SA are available to collaborate and provide guidance on training educators in AI-related pedagogy.

For more information or to explore potential collaborations, institutions are encouraged to contact Prof Van den Berg at liandi.vandenberg@nwu.ac.za.

Premier’s maiden speech seeks to balance budget with service delivery issues

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 08:20:00 +0000

Premier’s maiden speech seeks to balance budget with service delivery issues

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 03/18/2025 - 10:20

The recent State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered by the North West province’s Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, sought to strike a balance between the service delivery needs of residents and the limited resources available.

This is according to Thabang Motswaledi, a political analyst and academic at the North-West University (NWU), interpreting the Premier’s maiden SOPA.

The premier set out to navigate the delicate balance between the province’s constrained resources and the needs of the people, says Motswaledi. “The difficulties within this province are profound, as it possesses one of only two municipalities nationwide that have persistently failed to pass audits in previous years.”

Furthermore, the North West province has the highest unemployment rate in the country and persistent service delivery issues. The scarcity of water in areas such as Zeerust, the prevalence of potholes in the capital city of Mahikeng, and the lack of industrial development in villages throughout the province are among the pressing matters that the premier was anticipated to address.

Three primary priorities for the province

Premier Mokgosi said his address was informed by the Medium-Term Development Plan, which encompasses three primary priorities: the promotion of inclusive growth and job creation; the reduction of poverty and the mitigation of the high cost of living; and the establishment of a capable, ethical and developmental state.

While acknowledging that achieving these objectives would not be easy for the province, he emphasised the significance of collaboration in the Agrihubs project, aimed at creating jobs and alleviating poverty through agricultural development. Key partners mentioned in this context were the NWU, the Agricultural Research Council and the North West House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, under the leadership of the Agricultural and Rural Development Department.

Othe important development projects that the provincial government intends to participate in to tackle poverty and facilitate job creation are the National School Nutrition Programme, the ILIMA/Letsema programme to promote sustainable household agriculture and the Presidential Employment Stimulus programme.

According to Thabang, the provincial government has allocated R690 million and R60 million, respectively, for school nutrition and ILIMA/Letsema programme.

Furthermore, to enhance service delivery, Premier Mokgosi referenced the collaborative efforts between Vaalharts Water Users and the Department of Water and Sanitation. This collaboration aims to ensure a sustainable water supply in the Taung, Pudimoe and Huhudi areas of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district, with additional water supply initiatives planned for the future.

Given that the province is predominantly composed of villages and rural regions, the Premier also announced strategic plans to connect these areas with various economic hubs, with R429 million already invested in these initiatives.

Additionally, the provincial government has successfully attracted an investment of R9 billion from the collaboration between Harmony Gold and China Africa, which is expected to foster enduring partnerships within the province, focusing on job creation and the development of smart cities, including the Mekgareng Smart City project.

Through partnerships with the South African National Defence Force, the South African National Service Institute and the National Youth Services programme, approximately 3 000 youths will be placed in artisan and tooling training programmes.

Little said about the role of the private sector

Thabang notes, however, that the SOPA did not clarify the role of local government, especially in troubled municipalities such as Ditsobotla. Similarly, little was said about partnerships between the provincial government and private sector. “Such partnerships might be what the North West province needs to address these challenges because it seems the government alone is failing to address these issues,” he says.

In conclusion, the revitalisation of the Pilanesberg and George Dick Montshioa airports should take priority to ensure that the gateways to the province are wide open. This, together with the upgrading of key roads such as the N4, N14 and N18, among others, is necessary to attract foreign investment and tourism while ensuring that the objectives of the provincial government are met.

Thabang Motswaledi

A reflection on the state of social work in South Africa

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 07:18:05 +0000

A reflection on the state of social work in South Africa

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 03/18/2025 - 09:18

As we consider the urgent issues confronting social work in South Africa, it is evident that the profession is at a crucial turning point. On 18 March we commemorate World Social Work Day, and this year’s theme – “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Well-being” – serves as a timely reminder of the vital role that social workers play in our communities.

However, the challenges they encounter risk undermining their efforts and compromising the well-being of those they serve.

One of the foremost advocates in this field, Prof Hanelie Malan – an associate professor, promoter, and Social Work subject group leader at the North-West University (NWU), emphasises that investing in social work is not merely a matter of funding.

“It is about recognising the immeasurable value that social workers bring to our society. They are the backbone of our social support systems, yet they are often underappreciated and under-resourced.”

Prof Malan’s words echo the sentiments of many professionals who have witnessed the impact of inadequate support first-hand. Social workers in South Africa are grappling with many challenges, including a rising demand for services alongside severe budget cuts. In a country where more than 9 000 qualified social workers are unemployed, the gap between need and available resources is glaring. Recent statistics highlight this crisis: despite the South African Council for Social Service Professions registering thousands of new social workers every year, the number of active practitioners remains alarmingly low. The emotional toll on social workers cannot be overstated. They often find themselves in emotionally charged environments where they must support individuals facing severe adversities -elderly clients, children in distress and victims of domestic violence, to name a few.

Prof Koketso Matlakala, senior lecturer and acting subject group deputy leader at the NWU points out: “The work we do is not only about providing services; it is about building relationships and fostering resilience. Yet how can we do that when we are overstretched and underfunded?” This strain leads to burnout and high turnover rates, compromising the ability of seasoned professionals to mentor newcomers effectively. In addition, workplace safety remains a pressing concern. Many social workers operate in high-crime areas, facing significant personal risks. The urgent need for systemic changes, including stronger workplace protection, is clear. “If we do not prioritise the safety of our social workers, we risk losing not only experienced practitioners but also the trust of the communities we serve,” says Dr Lucé Pretorius. Investing in social work means investing in society’s future. It requires a concerted effort to improve funding, provide adequate training and ensure workplace safety for these essential professionals. "A well-supported social work sector can create lasting change, fostering resilient communities that thrive together,” advocates Dr Pretorious.

Advocacy for social workers must not be relegated to one day per year; it should be a continuous commitment to recognising their contributions and addressing their needs. Only through substantial investment, emotional and financial support can we hope to strengthen intergenerational solidarity for enduring well-being in South Africa. Senior lecturer in social work Marelize Vergottini’s call to action resonates powerfully today. “Let us stand together to elevate the profession of social work. It is time to extend our support beyond rhetoric and into tangible actions that empower social workers and the communities they serve.”

Pitso Webinar: Experts ask whether the budget will pass

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:39:42 +0000

Pitso Webinar: Experts ask whether the budget will pass

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 03/17/2025 - 08:39

The Business School at the North-West University (NWU)’s second Pitso online seminar brought together economic experts to examine South Africa’s current financial situation. The discussion, titled Budgeting for Austerity, featured analyst and columnist Khaya Sithole, who moderated the webinar; independent economist Elize Kruger; and Sanisha Packirisamy, an economist at Momentum Investments. The trio discussed the government’s latest budget proposal delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on Wednesday, 12 March, the challenges facing financial policy, and the potential impact on the country’s economic path.

Khaya Sithole opened the discussion by acknowledging the unstable financial landscape in which the budget was drafted. “We have had three weeks where everybody has been speculating about what might happen,” Sithole noted, pointing out that a large portion of the discussion was about generating income.

When questioned if the budget would pass, Elize Kruger maintained an optimistic tone. She acknowledged the complexities of the country’s Government of National Unity (GNU) but remained confident in its ability to find common ground. “I believe that the partners in the Government of National Unity will find each other,” she said. While she acknowledged that further negotiations and compromises could take place, Kruger emphasised that rejecting the budget adjustments, such as a 0.5 percentage point increase in VAT, would be harmful to political stability.

Kruger also highlighted a significant shift in governance, saying, “We need to look at expenditure in more detail. I did not see political will in the past 15 years, but now the situation has changed, and that could just be a positive for us looking forward.”

Sanisha Packirisamy took a conservative approach, warning that elements of the budget have historically remained unsettled even after being proposed. “Often in the past, some elements of the budget were not actually concrete by the first of April,” she explained, citing previous examples of postponed financial planning, particularly with regard to back pay and labour unions. Packirisamy further noted the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) potential resistance to the budget but issued a crucial caution, saying, “The DA can only reject this if they have an alternative proposal. And as we have discussed today, it is difficult to raise that amount of revenue elsewhere unless you actually cut back quite firmly on the expenditure side.”

Despite political disagreements, Sanisha remained hopeful about the broader financial direction. “Both sides of the GNU's major parties believe in fiscal restraint, in trying to achieve a primary surplus by the end of the medium-term framework. And that, in my opinion, is the good thing we ought to learn from this process,” Packirisamy concluded.

As the budget moves through the legislative process, Sithole underscored the difficulties of turning political will into tangible fiscal action. “There is indeed the political will that seems to have emerged, but I suspect that it has been forced. Do they have the political competence to get it all done?”

The success of the budget will depend on how well policymakers can oversee these challenging trade-offs given the state of the country’s economy. As the Pitso Webinar concluded, one thing that was clear: financial responsibility and policy negotiation will determine the country’s financial future in the months to come.

NWU's Prof Conroy Cupido strikes a high note with a kykNET Fiesta win

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 13:02:00 +0000

NWU's Prof Conroy Cupido strikes a high note with a kykNET Fiesta win

by Belinda Bantham

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 03/11/2025 - 15:02

Prof Conroy Cupido’s musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and his latest triumph at the kykNET Fiesta awards – often dubbed the "Oscars" of South Africa's arts festivals – in 2025 is another feather in his already illustrious cap. These awards are a ceremony that recognizes excellence in the performing and creative arts in South Africa and are presented to productions from the six largest Afrikaans arts festivals in the country .Originally from Cape Town, Prof Cupido became the first South African to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in vocal performance and opera from the University of North Texas. Now the director of the North-West University (NWU) School of Music and Conservatory, his crowning moment came after musically directing a magnificent concert, Die Groot Finale (The Big Finale), at the Aardklop National Arts Festival.

The concert, a dazzling showcase of mostly opera works, featured the finest opera students of the NWU, all under Prof Cupido’s impeccable guidance as conductor of the opera ensemble. The performance was a proud display of the sheer talent nurtured at the School of Music, and it was not just the students shining on stage. A team of exceptional staff members, including Prof Tinus Botha, Ms Magda de Vries, Dr Antoinette Olivier and Mr Thomas Erlank, lent their expertise, creating a genuinely collaborative masterpiece. And to top it all, legendary South African singer Coenie de Villiers served as the charismatic emcee for the evening.

Though this was Prof Cupido’s third nomination, the victory marked his first win, and the celebrations have not stopped since. “We have been presenting concerts of an extremely high calibre for several years, so it is incredibly rewarding to have our efforts recognised on such a prestigious platform,” Prof Cupido shared, beaming with pride. “It really affirms the excellent teaching and learning that we offer at the School of Music.”

Prof Cupido’s joy is shared by his colleagues, students and the entire NWU School of Music family. For them, this award not only celebrates a memorable concert but acknowledges the hard work, passion and extraordinary talent nurtured within the department. Over the years, the NWU’s singing students have soared, excelling in both national and international singing competitions. Many have gone on to pursue postgraduate studies at some of the world’s most prestigious music institutions, while others have carved out promising careers on international opera stages.

Among the rising stars is Khayakhazi Madlala, who, after her stellar participation in Die Groot Finale, made her debut at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden in January 2025. Fellow Die Groot Finale performer Sisikelelwe Mngenela has also made impressive strides, joining Cape Town Opera as a young artist alongside Khayakhazi.

“We have always prided ourselves on producing concerts of an exceptionally high standard,” Prof Cupido shared. “To have our students’ talents and our department’s efforts recognised in this way is both humbling and gratifying.” The NWU classical singing faculty comprises of Prof Cupido, Dr Antoinette Olivier, Ms Thembinkosi Magagula and Mr Thomas Erlank. Prof Tinus Botha, associate professor in piano, regularly collaborates with the opera ensemble contributing to their success.

Beyond his academic and musical achievements, Prof Cupido is an NRF C-2 rated researcher, a director on the board of Cape Town Opera and chairs their strategy committee. He is also no stranger to recognition, having been awarded the Prestigious Award for Teaching Excellence from the NWU in 2013 and two Institutional Research Excellence Awards in 2017.

In the pic from left to right: Joshwin Dyson (Best upcoming artist & Best Actor); Alexa Strachan (Director of the Aardklop National Arts Festival); Prof Conroy Cupido; Philip Rademeyer (Best original text)

Prof Conroy Cupido.

NWU Business School launches PhD Hub for Africa

MARELIZE SANTANA — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:49:11 +0000

NWU Business School launches PhD Hub for Africa MARELIZE SANTANA Tue, 03/11/2025 - 14:49

The North-West University (NWU) Business School has established a formidable foundation and inaugurated the PhD Hub for Africa, a pioneering initiative aimed at nurturing doctoral talent and enhancing supervisory expertise throughout the continent. The PhD Hub was officially launched on Monday, 10 March 2025, during the International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development held at the Kigali Serena Hotel in Rwanda.

This strategic initiative, with a history of producing influential doctoral candidates, aligns with the vision of the NWU Business School, which is dedicated to Shaping Executive Minds in Africa. It underscores a firm commitment to impactful and transformative research. Recognising the increasing demand for high-quality doctoral education, the PhD Hub serves to bridge the gap between academia and industry by cultivating a new generation of thought leaders, innovators, and impactful researchers. The PhD Hub for Africa is aimed at industry professionals, emerging scholars seeking a PhD in Business Administration, and academic supervisors looking to enhance their doctoral mentorship expertise.

Prof Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the NWU Business School, emphasised the Hub’s role in elevating the quality and impact of doctoral research. “This initiative is a bold step towards strengthening Africa’s research capabilities and shaping the future of business leadership on the continent. By creating a platform for rigorous scholarship and high-impact research, we are not only empowering doctoral candidates but also fostering sustainable solutions to Africa’s business and economic challenges.”

This initiative strengthens the NWU Business School’s strategic focus on internationalisation, forging collaborations with African and global academic institutions, and industry leaders to ensure that African business research remains relevant, globally competitive, and deeply rooted in the continent’s unique economic and social landscape.

The PhD Hub will catalyse impactful research, connecting scholars, business executives, and policymakers to drive transformational change across Africa. As part of this ambitious endeavour, the NWU Business School is engaging with continent-wide and international networks to provide PhD candidates with world-class mentorship, research resources, and exposure to global best practices.

This will ensure that doctoral research emerging from the PhD Hub is both academically rigorous and practically transformative in addressing Africa’s critical economic and managerial challenges. The NWU Business School invites potential PhD candidates, academic supervisors, and industry experts to become part of this transformative initiative. For more information on the PhD Hub for Africa, visit the NWU Business School’s website: www.nwubusinessschool.co.za.

The NWU Business School officially launched the PhD Hub for Africa - a pioneering initiative aimed at nurturing doctoral talent and enhancing supervisory expertise throughout the continent.

Mr Oscar Mosiane
Manager: Communication
Tell: 018 389 2144
Cell: 076 684 5014
Oscar.mosiane@nwu.ac.za

NWU drives impactful nutrition leadership training in Africa

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:54:41 +0000

NWU drives impactful nutrition leadership training in Africa

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 03/11/2025 - 12:54

After recent developments, impactful leadership in nutrition is needed now more than ever. The United Nations (UN) Decade of Action on Nutrition* ends this year and USAID funding to Africa and other developing countries has come to an abrupt halt.

Africa is stepping up. “We need responsible and proactive leadership in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to carry the baton forward for healthy nutrition in Africa and the rest of the world. The North-West University (NWU) has been driving impactful change in the sector for more than 22 years, and we will continue to lead from the front,” says Dr Christine Taljaard-Krugell, senior lecturer in Nutrition.

Putting this promise into practice, the university is hosting the 23rd annual African Nutrition Leadership Programme (ANLP) from 11 to 21 March.

This NWU programme focuses on leadership, communication, advocacy, networking and conflict management, among other things, in a response to the dire need for impactful leadership in the nutrition field. Nutrition is of the utmost importance to reach the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2. This goal aims to find sustainable solutions to end hunger by 2030.

The aim of this UN goal is to ensure that everyone has enough good-quality food to lead a healthy life. More than 500 applications for the programme, which can only accommodate 30 participants at a time, streamed in from all over Africa. This response clearly shows that nutrition professionals realise the impact meaningful leadership training has on health and well-being. It also speaks to the standing of the programme on the continent and the value it has added over the years.

Leadership development is central to finding solutions

Henry Ng’ethe from Kenya, one of last year’s participants, describes the impact the ANLP programme has had on him. “I will be a better person and leader now (that I have completed the programme). I am aware of who I am through the feedback, and for that I am forever grateful."

Gaëlle Rabakoarison from Madagascar echoed Henry’s sentiments: “It is an intensive workshop that makes people push their limits and understand more about their strength and weaknesses. It is an enriching experience with a group of multisectoral people and emphasises the importance of communication and empowerment if we want to be good leaders."

Prof Johann Jerling, an NWU expert in nutrition leadership development and director of the ANLP, highlights the intention of the ANLP. “Leading change in nutrition is central to what we do. The recent ANLP programmes in Malawi helped us to gain crucial insight into matters in that country and we are now working with all the teams in all districts that are fighting malnutrition there,” he says.

“As our African network expands, more and more organisations are interested in developing leadership capabilities in their efforts to effectively reduce deaths due to malnutrition.”

Prof Robin Macleod of the Centre for Excellence in Nutrition (CEN) at the NWU, says she had the privilege of attending the 9th African Nutrition Congress in Cape Coast, Ghana, last year in October. “Seeing so many ANLP alumni from the programme in various capacities – presenting, organising and leading initiatives and debates – was incredibly inspiring. They truly embody the call to ‘lead from where you stand’, and their collective impact on Africa’s nutritional landscape is evident at events like that.”

Mapping the way forward despite grave challenges

According to Dr Thabo Putu, this year’s ANLP is set against the backdrop of the withdrawal of USAID and other aid funding by the United States.

“This withdrawal has severely impacted numerous health and food security programmes. Most African countries have relied heavily on USAID for healthcare initiatives, food aid and agricultural support.”

He says the ANLP is widely recognised throughout Africa for developing participants’ leadership capabilities, strategic thinking skills and abilities to create innovative solutions to challenges.

One such challenge is reducing dependency on foreign aid by finding local solutions to funding challenges. The ANLP enables participants to establish networks of collaboration not only within their own countries but also internationally. Networks such as these are ideal for investigating and pursuing leadership opportunities to solve problems such as funding.

*The United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition was from 2016 to 2025. Its main aims have included achieving targets for global nutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases by 2025.

Renowned broadcaster shares industry insights with NWU students

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:20:04 +0000

Renowned broadcaster shares industry insights with NWU students BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 03/11/2025 - 11:20

By Keaoleboga Motshabi and Phenyo Mokgothu

Renowned radio broadcaster and cultural advocate Lucky Tlale, widely known as Hala Hala LTK, recently visited the School of Communication at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus to share insights with undergraduate broadcasting students.

With a career spanning over 17 years, LTK has established himself as a versatile media professional, excelling as a radio host, master of ceremonies, DJ, podcaster and public speaker. He is also a strong advocate for the promotion of the Setswana language and culture in the digital era.

His journey began as a music library filing clerk before he transitioned into radio presenting. He later became the station manager at Mahikeng Community Radio and subsequently hosted an afternoon drive show on Motsweding FM. Beyond broadcasting, he is set to release a music album and is publishing his debut Setswana novel, Malepa a Botshelo.

During his session with the students, LTK provided an overview of the history and core principles of radio broadcasting. He emphasised that while most people recognise radio’s three primary functions – informing, entertaining and educating – there is a fourth, often overlooked function: persuasion. He explained that broadcasters must be able to persuade listeners, particularly when it comes to advertising.

“Everyone can speak and be talkative, but not everyone can be on radio,” he said. He encouraged students to develop their unique voices and stand out in the industry.

His visit was well received, providing students with valuable industry knowledge and inspiration as they prepare for careers in broadcasting.

From left are Relebogile Sekati, Keabetswe Gopane, LTK, Thabang Ramabodu and Theo Ngake.

Inaugural lecture explores laughter as protest in Zimbabwe

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:03:41 +0000

Inaugural lecture explores laughter as protest in Zimbabwe

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 03/11/2025 - 11:03

In Zimbabwe’s evolving political landscape, where promises of reform have yet to materialise, one unexpected force has emerged – comedy.

While official narratives speak of progress, social media tells a different story, one shaped by satire, memes and skits that turn national struggles into humour. But in a country where dissent carries risks, is laughter merely an escape, or is it a tool of resistance?

This question was central to an inaugural lecture delivered by North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Rodwell Makombe on 7 March 2025 at the Mahikeng Campus. His lecture was titled “Making sense of the Second Republic in Zimbabwe through laughter: the poetics and politics of resistance after Mugabe”.

Prof Makombe examined Zimbabwe’s post-Mugabe era (the Second Republic) through the lens of social media comedy, arguing that humour has become a defining feature of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership, much like intellectual debate and book culture characterised former President Robert Mugabe’s rule.

Prof Makombe focused on the work of four comedians, namely Kapfupi, Marabha, Doc Vikela and Sabhuku Vharazipi. The four comedians are popular in Zimbabwe, and they have significant following on social media.

“When Robert Mugabe was forced from power in a military-assisted coup in 2017, the moment was framed as a turning point – an end to tyranny and the beginning of political and economic renewal. Seven years later, little has changed. If anything, conditions have worsened,” he said.

New resistance

He noted that social media satire has become a critical space for resistance, allowing citizens to challenge authority in a climate where open criticism is often met with repression.

“Could it be a coincidence that comedy has eclipsed the book culture of the Mugabe era?” he asked.

Prof Makombe emphasised that humour in Zimbabwe is more than entertainment. “Politics and art are consubstantial,” he said, explaining

how satire exposes contradictions in governance and shapes public perception of the so-called Second Republic.

The lecture also placed Zimbabwe’s political humour in a historical context, drawing parallels between past and present forms of satirical resistance. By laughing at their struggles, Prof Makombe argued, Zimbabweans are not merely coping with hardship but also reclaiming the political narrative.

He left his audience with a final question: Can laughter help theorise the politics of Zimbabwe’s Second Republic? While it may not solve the country’s challenges, he suggested that it remains a powerful force, both as a mirror to reality and a tool of resistance.

About Prof Rodwell Makombe

Rodwell Makombe is a professor in the subject group English at the NWU. He holds a PhD from the University of Fort Hare as well as a master’s and honours degree in English from the University of Zimbabwe.

He has taught in University of Fort Hare, Durban University of Technology and the University of Free State. He has published over 40 journal articles and three books and supervised several postgraduate students. He has a C2 research rating from the National Research Foundation.

Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, hands over the inaugural lecture certificate to Prof Rodwell Makombe.

Vanderbijlpark Campus walks for change in the fight against GBV

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:43:45 +0000

Vanderbijlpark Campus walks for change in the fight against GBV

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 03/10/2025 - 08:43

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus recently organised a powerful demonstration of unity and awareness called the Walk of Change, with various internal and external stakeholders participating.

“Part of my job as a house parent involves promoting student wellness. This initiative aims to inspire the university community by setting an example in the pursuit of a more equitable future, where human rights are respected and violence is not tolerated,” said Makhotso Mosikidi, NWU staff member and residence house parent who led the walk.

The primary goal of the silent march was to raise awareness about critical issues such as gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), while also highlighting the fundamental importance of human rights.

The march began at the NWU’s Bohale Village residences and proceeded to the main gate, concluding with an introductory GBVF information session at the Tseboneng Hall – led by Ujeet Maharaj, prosecutor and head of Student Judicial Services.

All these activities coincided with the First-Year Carnival, a vibrant celebration filled with music, dance and colourful costumes.

During the information session, Ujeet emphasised the importance of raising awareness and fostering open discussions regarding sensitive issues such as GBVF.

“The aim is to create a safer environment for everyone and reinforce the importance of standing up for human rights,” he said, adding that the chosen route for the march symbolised not only the journey of the participants, but also the university community’s solidarity in ending violence and discrimination against marginalised groups.

“The Walk of Change served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against GBVF, an issue that affects countless individuals and communities. By coming together in silence, we conveyed our message strongly, demonstrating our united stance against these injustices,” Ujeet explained.

The event also featured prominent speakers, including Dumisile Moyana from World of Impact, who passionately addressed the audience. As the country representative for Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service and a National Program Implementation Support Expert for the 100-Day Challenge GBVF Collective Movement, she provided invaluable insights and advocated for community mobilisation and policy action against GBVF.

The various speakers emphasised the need for collaboration and education, reinforcing the NWU’s commitment to a zero-tolerance approach towards GBVF.

Prof Sibusiso Chalufu, acting deputy vice-chancellor for Vanderbijlpark Campus operations and executive director for student life, emphasised that the Walk of Change symbolises community solidarity in the fight against GBV and the protection of human rights.

“Through initiatives like this, the university embodies a commitment to fostering a culture of respect, safety and dignity for all, sending a clear message that change is not only necessary but possible.”

A notable highlight was the partnerships formed by various internal stakeholders, signifying a commitment to address violence and uphold human rights within the university community.

The Walk of Change demonstrated the NWU’s commitment to a zero-tolerance approach towards GBVF.