By Mzwandile Ndlovu

A renewed push to translate indigenous knowledge (IK) into practical rural development took centre stage as stakeholders gathered for the Second Smart Village conference in Nyandeni in the Eastern Cape.

Held under the theme “Towards an indigenous knowledge-based smart village model: A multi-stakeholder planning dialogue for sustainable rural development,” the three-day engagement from 24 to 26 March 2026 moved beyond conceptual discussions towards implementation and community participation.

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

The North-West University’s (NWU) Soccer Institute is preparing for a decisive clash against Belligerators FC on Saturday, 25 April, at Mmabatho Stadium. They are hoping secure their place in the provincial playoffs of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Motsepe League.

While the road to this match has not always been smooth for the team, they have emerged stronger from the challenges, including squad changes and scheduling issues, according to head coach Nkululenko Malgas.

The FNB North-West University (NWU) Eagles booked their place in the 2026 Varsity Cup Final in emphatic fashion, dismantling FNB Maties 50 – 10 in a blockbuster semi-final fixture at the Fanie du Toit Sportsgrounds on Monday, 6 April. The dominant victory extends the Eagles’ unbeaten home run and avenges their 26 – 30 defeat to Maties in their round-six clash at the Danie Craven Stadium on 23 March.

The North-West University (NWU) has reached a significant milestone in its academic and institutional development with the appointment of Prof. Binu Luke as the inaugural chief director of the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, effective from 1 April 2026.

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

For South Africa to prosper municipalities must become engines of social justice that engage with citizens, deliver on services and sustainable development and are held accountable for their governance.

Opinion piece by Dr Mabutho Shangase and final-year master’s degree student Masungulo Khoza

The May 2024 national and provincial elections in South Africa were more than a routine democratic exercise; they were a revealing test of the electoral resilience of the country under mounting social and political strain.

Recognition for academic and community impact has placed the North-West University (NWU) in focus after one of its academics and two alumni were named among Inside Education’s 100 South African Shining Stars.

Dr Benjamin Rapanyane, a senior lecturer in political science at the NWU, was selected for his contribution to education in disadvantaged communities and his academic work in African political studies.

Twelve years ago, Prof. Liezl van Dyk, executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering, came to the North-West University (NWU) on a mission: to play a central role in developing industrial engineering as an impactful discipline at the university. Her daughter, Karla, was 10 years old at the time. Now, on 31 March this year, Prof. van Dyk experienced the fruits of her labour first-hand when Karla graduated as an industrial engineer.

The North-West University (NWU) Mahikeng Stadium has been approved to host matches in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, underlining the university’s ability to provide facilities that comply with the requirements for professional football in South Africa.

Nkululeko Khwezilomso Malgas, manager of the North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute, has obtained a CAF A coaching licence, a development he says will strengthen player training and coaching standards at the institution.

Nkululeko linked the achievement to the institute’s mandate of producing players ready for the professional game.