By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

The North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute's under-21 team is gearing up for a thrilling challenge as they prepare to compete in the Pirates Cup tournament, one of South Africa's most esteemed youth soccer competitions.

Set to kick off at the Wits Marks Park Sports Grounds, the tournament promises intense matches starting on 28 March.

In the first round the team will face formidable opponents, including Vhembe Cora Academy, TUT Emalahleni and Midlands Academy.

Banks provide financing options for various projects and initiatives, and in partnering with ABSA Bank Limited, the North-West University (NWU) can enhance the process of dealing with financing matters for the staff and students.

A continued downward trajectory is the only possible forecast for South Africa’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) if political appointments in SOEs continue to take precedence over expertise.

This is according to Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU). Prof Tyobeka says this is not only an inescapable truth, but a gross dereliction of duty by those in key positions, which serves to hamper economic growth to the detriment of the country’s struggling citizens.

 Micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in Africa and are one of the major factors associated with growth retardation, poor immune function, and child mortality.

 A new master’s degree programme in Nutrition with Nuclear Techniques will help to address malnutrition in Africa.

 Role players across the continent are working together to ensure better nutrition for all Africans.

The subject group Animal Health at the North-West University (NWU) and North West Veterinary Services will be collaborating to enhance animal health initiatives.

Under the supervision of Prof Mulunda Mwanza, the objective of this collaboration is to train animal health technicians in advanced disease detection and eradication processes.

Well, isn’t that a pretty picture? The North-West University (NWU) Eagles are sitting on top of the Varsity Cup log after beating CUT Ixias 53-46 in Bloemfontein.

In what was perhaps a case of complacency, the Eagles allowed a generous half-time lead of 37-12 to be systematically etched away by the home side, especially in the last 10 minutes when the Ixias scored three converted tries.

It was a late, impressive blitzkrieg by the underdogs, but the Eagles’ opening salvos proved effective enough to secure the win.

On Saturday, 16 March, the Vaal Triangle community witnessed an unprecedented event that not only broke records but also warmed hearts and filled stomachs.  

One of the highlights of the "Rocking the Vaal" event on the grounds of the Emerald Resort and Casino was a monumental potjiekos cook-off. This venture saw 84 North-West University (NWU) staff members and 100 students coming together to prepare a staggering 2 794 kg of the traditional South African dish.

In a heart-warming initiative aimed at fostering community engagement and supporting the elderly, the office of the deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations at the North-West University (NWU) recently reached out to the Rotarus Home for Senior Citizens in Mahikeng.

Led by deputy vice-chancellor Prof Sonia Swanepoel, the programme brought together elderly residents for an afternoon of entertainment and social interaction.

A new species of African bullfrog has been discovered in northeastern Namibia, southern Angola, southwestern Zambia and northwestern Botswana.

It is the largest frog species discovered in more than 100 years.

The largest specimen found is 210 millimetres long and weighs 1 kilogram.

The chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Dr Anna Mokgokong, was again recognised for her remarkable achievements as an industry stalwart when she received the Black Industrialist Pioneer and Legacy Award at the second Black Industrialist and Exporters Conference.

The conference was held at the Sandton International Convention Centre on Wednesday 20 March, and President Cyril Ramaphosa presented the awards.