It takes a team of specialists to ensure that the bright ideas, groundbreaking innovations and impressive intellectual property of the North-West University (NWU) stay ahead of the pack in an increasingly competitive environment.

Recognising the expertise at the NWU, a delegation from Malawi visited the university’s Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) Office from 2 to 4 November with the aim of establishing a similar office in their country – the first for Malawi.

At a memorial service on 26 October 2022, the North-West University (NWU) community across all three campuses honoured staff and students who have sadly lost their lives during the year.

In support of the university's values, the University Management Committee resolved to host annual memorial services to remember NWU community members who have passed away.

Read the memorial message delivered by NWU principal and vice-chancellor Dr Bismark Tyobeka.

Prof Shaukat Abdulrazak, director of the Division for Africa Technical Cooperation at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), delivered a nuclear lecture at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus on 1 November 2022.

The lecture was organised by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s (DMRE’s) National Liaison Office, in conjunction with the NWU’s Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology (CARST).

In William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet asks the age-old question: ‘What’s in a name?’ In the case of North-West University researcher Prof Nico Smit, the answer is clear ― his name is synonymous with expert contributions in the field of zoology.

This celebrated academic and parasitologist taxonomist follows in the footsteps of revered people such as biologist and author Sir David Attenborough and former President of the United States Barack Obama. Just like them, Prof Smit can also boast that living species have been named after him.

Oldrin Masowa

The lack of finances remains a stumbling block in accessing tertiary education, particularly in South Africa.

This is why the North-West University (NWU) partnered with Standard Bank in launching a Standard Bank student loan to assist undergraduate and postgraduate NWU students to finance their 2023 studies.

What makes this student loan different, is that eligible students can apply without providing surety.

It is a pass. That is the conclusion of a panel of experts that was hosted by the North-West University (NWU) Business School on whether the 2022 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) should receive a “fail” or a “pass” rating.

On Wednesday, 26 October, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the MTBPS, with generally favourable reactions.

The North-West University (NWU) recently hosted the second International Conference on Information Literacy (ICIL) on the Potchefstroom Campus.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic prevented the holding of the conference in 2021, many sighed with relief when things returned to normal and restrictions were eased.

By Sandile Mahlangu

The NWU Symphony Orchestra recently held a Christmas Comes Early concert at the NWU Sanlam Auditorium at the Potchefstroom Campus.

The orchestra was preparing the North West community for the Christmas season with Christmas carols and a Christmas playlist.

André Oosthuizen, the orchestra conductor, said “the concert was to showcase the work that the group has been doing. Playing Christmas music is great and fun for everyone involved, and we just wanted to present a nice, uplifting concert.”

By Oldrin Masowa

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Agricultural Sciences hosted its first ever Agri-Career fair on 19 October on the Potchefstroom Campus.

During the event, final-year students presented the findings of their soil science research and had the opportunity to network with the agricultural industry.

“The aim of the fair is to prepare students for the world of work to expose them to new agricultural skills and technology,” says senior lecturer in Agricultural Sciences, Dr George van Zyl.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Management Sciences, in partnership with ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA), recently hosted a guest lecture for undergraduate BCom safety management students and lecturers at the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Mr Dieter Sauer, AMSA senior manager for health and safety, together with Lesley Ramela, AMSA GMR 2.1 certificated engineer, presented the lecture titled “Safety Management and Legal Compliance within AMSA”.