On Wednesday, 30 July, the North-West University (NWU) conferred an honorary doctorate on Professor Sir Hilary McDonald Beckles, a distinguished Caribbean historian and vice-chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI). The award recognises Sir Hilary’s formidable academic contributions and his global advocacy for social justice. On the evening before the ceremony, he delivered a public lecture titled From Durban to Accra: Rise of the Global Reparations Movement.

NWU vice-chancellor, Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, pleads for aligned academic hospital in North West

Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), has lauded Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s announcement that plans are in place to add to the country’s ten academic hospitals.

The North-West University (NWU) is aware of the incident that allegedly involved chanting and the infringement of other students’ rights at one of the student residences on the Potchefstroom Campus. It is alleged that the incident took place during the night of Thursday, 5 June 2025.

The NWU views the infringement or violation of human rights, policies, and rules in a serious light, and strongly condemns any actions or behaviour that seek to undermine its values.

Therefore, the university has commenced with the necessary investigation into the alleged incident.

• Researchers have created a comprehensive list of indigenous names for frogs and reptiles in order to promote inclusive conservation

• People are far more likely to protect what they can name

• South Africa’s indigenous languages have long been marginalised in science

• The inclusion of indigenous names in biodiversity literature is not only good science, but also democratic

The NWU would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the 20-year old Mojalefa Reabetswe Nthebe. He was a second-year student in industrial psychology on the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the NWU. Immediately after his body was discovered the matter was reported to the police who is investigating an inquest. Protection Services is providing all possible support to the police in their investigation. As is the case after any such incident, counseling is provided to those in need of it.

The North-West University (NWU) would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Vilano Saunders who passed away during the early hours of Monday, 5 May. He was injured during a rugby match on 3 May on the Vanderbijlpark Campus. It is always tragic and heartbreaking to loose a member of our student community. We are aware of the allegations regarding the position he played in, but the NWU does not have any knowledge of Vilano being forced to play in the front row for any reason. According to information available, he had the training and experience to do so.

By Gofaone Motsamai

While the release of weevils into the hyacinth-infested waters of the Hartbeespoort Dam is a welcome development, these insects alone cannot be expected to permanently solve the dam’s pollution problem.

“The use of weevils must be part of an integrated plan to resolve the issue,” says Prof Wynand Malherbe from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Water Research Group in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management.

The North-West University (NWU) is proud to announce that its soon-to-be-established medical school will be honorifically named the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

This decision was taken in consultation with – and received the approval of – the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust.

The North-West University acknowledges receipt of a letter by Afriforum Youth dated 14 April 2025 on the above matter. NWU registrar, Prof Marlene Verhoef, has responded to the matters raised.

Read the official response here.

The North-West University (NWU) notes the correspondence from one of the student societies and media enquiries regarding an incident that occurred on 13 April 2025 at the Potchefstroom Campus. The incident is allegedly related to religious or spiritual practices in one of the ladies’ residences.