There is no feeling like it. You stand there with bated breath, waiting for your name to be called. This is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication … determination. Underneath your black gown, your nervous system is in flux, you are a veritable cauldron of emotions. “I can’t believe I did it,” you think to yourself. Then it happens. You are called to the front. Applause fills the graduation hall. You hear the cheers of your family. You reflect on the sacrifices they have made, that you have made. You leave the stage, beaming, degree in hand and your future ahead of you.

The principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) – and internationally renowned nuclear energy expert – Prof Bismark Tyobeka, has lauded the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s (DMRE) proposed recommendation to Cabinet that three possible ownership models to acquire and fund more nuclear projects in SA under the Nuclear New Build Programme (NNBP) be considered.

The pursuit of greatness without boundaries by the North-West University (NWU) has just had an innovative technological boost with the launch of its virtual reality (VR) simulation laboratory at the Faculty of Health Sciences on 23 August.

Africa is experiencing a tourism renaissance. Since 2022, the continent has seen a remarkable turnaround in its tourism fortunes, and it is enjoying an influx of foreign currency. Experts agree that now is the time to capitalise on this renewed interest in Africa as a tourist destination, as opportunities like this don’t come along very often.

The North-West University (NWU) bestowed an honorary doctorate on internationally renowned pharmaceutical business leader and NWU alumnus Jannie Oosthuizen on Friday, 2 August.

Mr Oosthuizen is recognised for his exceptional contributions to and significant standing in the international health sector, where he is considered a key role player.

“We are united despite our challenges.” This, the third last line of the anthem of the MM Sebitloane Special School, rang more true than ever on Tuesday, 30 July when the Vice-Chancellor Science Day of the North-West University (NWU) was held in the heart of the Taung district. Little did PJ  Mahloko and MM Madikwe know when they composed the anthem for the school – which was founded in 1984 – that more than a thousand eager secondary school learners from the greater district would one day descend on the just more than 18 000-strong community of Taung.

Without the help of a particular enzyme, HIV/Aids cannot replicate itself and take over the body’s cells. Dr Andrew Motsilanyane, a recent PhD graduate from the North-West University (NWU), has been targeting this enzyme, HIV-1 protease, in research that could open up new possibilities for drug development.

South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) has seen the majority of its ministries experiencing a change in leadership, with the Ministry of Police now being led by Minister Senzo Mchunu, with deputy ministers Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo.

Veteran Setswana broadcaster and SABC newsreader, Masego Ezekiel “Easy” Matjila, received an honorary doctorate in humanities from the North-West University (NWU) on 18 July at the Mahikeng Campus. This was in recognition for his outstanding achievements in promoting Setswana and other languages through his work at the SABC.

"Allow me to express my gratitude and appreciation to the NWU for honouring an individual such as myself while still alive. I consider myself lucky and I am truly humbled," says Dr Matjila.

You do not pick fights with people who buy ink in barrels. This saying used to ring true when printed newspapers ruled the news roost. But, with bandwidth having replaced the aforementioned barrels, is there still a future for journalists in the traditional mould?