The battle against HIV in sub-Saharan Africa has always been as much about systems and science as about the virus itself. Antiretroviral therapy has turned what was once a death sentence into a manageable condition.

Yet, as Dr Monray Williams of the North-West University (NWU) cautions, “millions of people still face barriers to prevention and treatment. Poverty, limited healthcare infrastructure, and social stigma continue to shape who gets care and who does not.”

By Prof Linda du Plessis

Come 26 November, more than 900 000 Grade 12 candidates will be celebrating the conclusion of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

The exams commenced on 21 October with the computer applications technology (CAT) practical paper, one of the 112 examination papers that have been set across the country. This follows months of preparation supported by provincial education departments and the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

An online writing competition hosted by the Debating Union at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus is keeping the conversation about women’s empowerment alive long after Women’s Month has ended.

The competition, themed “Accelerate action: Rights, equality, empowerment for all women and girls”, invited students to reflect on the challenges facing women and girls globally and propose solutions. The goal was to spark dialogue that could lead to practical action on campus and beyond.

By: Gosego Phutieagae

A public lecture at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus on 1 October 2025 highlighted how telecommunications and information technology are transforming financial management for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), both in business operations and personal finance.

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Gofaone Motsamai

Veteran broadcaster Tim Modise returned to Mahikeng, where his media career began, to deliver a public lecture on the evolving role of broadcast media in shaping South Africa’s cultural identity.

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Many of us have felt a racing heartbeat and shaky breath before speaking in public, but this anxiety can be rechannelled into energy and confidence to take command of the podium.

The Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) staged a colourful and symbolic “Campus Wedding” on Friday, 26 September, bringing together staff, students and alumni in a celebration of cultural diversity and unity.

The event formed part of the annual Culture Integration Day at the NWU, observed across all three campuses, but this year took on a unique theme: a cross-cultural wedding symbolising the union of South African and international traditions.

Soft notes floated through the afternoon air like a gentle breeze across lavender fields. The scent of sunflowers and the glow of golden light transformed Prof Paul Smit’s home into a small corner of Provence, carrying guests on a journey of music, memory and quiet celebration.

On Saturday, 13 September, Prof Smit, associate professor in the School for Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management at the North-West University (NWU), hosted the second house concert in memory of his late wife, Elmain.

By Jalize Fourie

The Faculty of Humanities at North-West University (NWU) took a bold step into the future of research and innovation with the official launch of its Centre for Digital Humanities (CDH) on Friday, 19 September, at the Riverside Sun Hotel in Vanderbijlpark.