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.

By Jalize Fourie

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus recently transformed into a centre of inspiration, diversity, and meaningful connections as Men Evolve Meets Goddess Night brought students, staff, and alumni together under one roof.

The exciting event combined two long-standing initiatives – Men Evolve and Goddess Night – Into a single, dynamic platform that encouraged collaboration.

When Nigerian superstar Davido stepped out on stage at the Scorpion Kings and Friends concert in Pretoria in a custom-made biker jacket adorned with the South African flag, he drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. It was a wardrobe choice that stretched beyond fashion or performance.

Davido, who expressed his love for South Africa on social media before the performance on 29 August, could not have made a better fashion choice.

Prof Leepile Sehularo, director of the Lifestyle Diseases research focus area at the North-West University (NWU), has been recognised for his efforts in calling for more mental health research and better support systems.

He received the Positive Mental Health Advocate Award at The Big Up Awards on 23 August.

As part of Biodiversity Month, the NWU is proud to unveil its biodiversity information booklet, "From Soil to Sky: Get to Know Your Campus". This guide showcases the rich and diverse ecosystems thriving across our three campuses.

In their 2025 Varsity Netball campaign opener, the North-West University (NWU) Eagles displayed confidence and teamwork in their convincing 63-29 victory against Varsity College at the Maties Coetzenburg Indoor Centre in Stellenbosch on Sunday, 24 August.

The Eagles dominated from the outset, taking the lead in the first quarter and maintaining their momentum throughout the match. By the end of the second quarter, they were leading 32-14, showcasing a stellar team performance.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) stand against plastic pollution, launched in 2023, has evolved into an institutionalised environmental policy and the results speak for themselves.

In the first six months of 2025, the NWU recycled 140,6 tons of campus waste, including 36 tons of single-use plastic. This reflects reduced plastic bottle consumption and increased recycling efforts prompted by the initiatives, according to Percy Sehaole, specialist in environmental management and coordinator of the campaign against plastic waste.

In a powerful demonstration of language, heritage and collaboration, university language specialists have partnered with the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders to hold a training programme for Dikgosi (traditional leaders).

The Language Directorate of the North-West University (NWU) played a key role in the week-long programme, held in Rustenburg from 2 to 6 June for Dikgosi from across the North West Province.

The concert hall was silent. When the words came, they came almost reluctantly. “Here I am, having to give a lecture,” said Prof Piet Koornhof, a violinist. “I would much rather perform music. So, I shall do both.”

With that, Prof Koornhof from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Music set the tone for an inaugural lecture that merged scholarship with stagecraft.

Held at the Potchefstroom Campus on 25 June 2025, his lecture traced the anatomy of expressive musical performance, not just as a technical exercise, but as a deeply human act.