Human Interest

Vanderbijlpark Campus celebrates PhD graduates

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus 2023 winter graduations ended with a special congratulatory ceremony for PhD graduates, hosted by Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations.

This event followed the 18 PhD graduates’ graduation ceremony where NWU principal and vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka conferred their degrees upon them at the new Tsebonokeng Hall.

Submitted on Mon, 06/05/2023 - 12:49

Another nuclear honour for Prof Bismark Tyobeka

With efficient, sustainable solutions needed more than ever to address global energy problems, the North-West University’s (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, continues to distinguish himself as a leading nuclear expert.

Prof Tyobeka has been appointed as a member of the Nuclear Engineering Advisory Council (NEDAC) at North Carolina State University (NCSU) in the USA.

Submitted on Mon, 06/05/2023 - 09:23

There is nothing precarious about Precious’ future

Precious Mokomele has an infectious laugh. It drifts in and out like a tide. Sometimes it is a gentle cascade, sometimes it is uproarious, emanating from some joyous part within herself where she keeps all the treasures of her happiness.

“I laugh a lot,” she confesses, unsurprisingly with a laugh. “My friends tell me I laugh too easily.”

What is surprising though, is that her past did all it could to muzzle and mute one of her outstanding features.

Submitted on Fri, 06/02/2023 - 15:52

NWU vice-chancellor reflects on first year in office

By:Phenyo Mokgothu and Nolwazi Xulu

North-West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, shared his experiences and insights from his first year at the university during a media networking session on 31 May 2023 at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.

The primary objective of the networking session was to provide local media with the latest updates on the university's strategic developments.

Submitted on Fri, 06/02/2023 - 15:45

Jean Tiedt: King of defence

Rugby has changed. It has evolved. Take a look at some of the games in the 70s, 80s and early to mid-90s. They were a bit of a mess, weren’t they? There was little structure (not like nowadays, anyway) and it was more of a scrap than a clinical exhibition. Yes, there were some spectacular tries, but they occurred because defence players relied more on defence than on drilled-in patterns and meticulous examination of the opposition’s attacking game. Those days are over and defence coaches like Jean Tiedt of the North-West University (NWU) are revolutionising the modern game.

Submitted on Fri, 06/02/2023 - 15:03

Vernon Paulo is clawing his way to the top

There is a tenacity to Vernon Paulo’s approach to rugby that is, quite frankly, scary. The soon-to-be 22-year-old dynamo of a hooker has an appetite for destruction. Just ask Ikeys scrumhalf Asad Moos who, during the Varsity Cup final between the Eagles and the Tigers, decided to test the home team’s defence with a dummy. He failed. Paulo lined him up and smashed him back with impunity. Then there is his appetite for tries. He crossed the whitewash an incredible 12 times during the tournament. For a hooker … what is that all about? Those are numbers reserved for wings.

Submitted on Fri, 06/02/2023 - 14:52

NWU graduate: age is just a number

Annemarie van Heerden's story is inspiring and demonstrates that age should never hold you back from achieving your academic goals. She made history by becoming the oldest graduate to walk across the stage at the new Tsebonokeng Hall at the North-West University's (NWU’s) Vandebijlpark Campus during a recent graduation ceremony.

At the age of 66, Annemarie received an honours degree in psychology, an amazing accomplishment considering she took a 42-year break after obtaining her honours degree in music from Stellenbosch University in 1980.

Submitted on Fri, 06/02/2023 - 08:44

Vice-chancellor engages with student leaders on NWU strategy

North-West University (NWU) vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka recently visited the Vanderbijlpark Campus to engage with student leaders from the Student Campus Council (SCC) and its substructures on the NWU’s strategy.

Student leaders were invited to share their thoughts and ideas to help shape the university strategy. This visit forms part of the multi-campus roadshows Prof Tyobeka is embarking on to gather input from various stakeholders.

Submitted on Wed, 05/31/2023 - 12:22

NWU enlightens students by unveiling the future through the auditor's journey

Third-year chartered accounting and postgraduate diploma students from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Accounting Sciences recently had a once-in-a-lifetime practical experience in auditing.

The school, led by senior lecturer Odette Geyer, together with PKF Octagon and the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA), hosted an event themed “A day in the life of an auditor” to give the students an idea of what they can anticipate in the near future.

Submitted on Wed, 05/31/2023 - 09:43