The spectacular aurora also known as the Southern Lights, caused by a solar storm that impacted the Earth on 10 and 11 May, was seen and captured across the southern hemisphere, including in southern Africa in places such as Gansbaai and in Namibia.

A team of researchers from the North-West University (NWU) captured this rare and historic event through the university’s solar telescope observatory on the Potchefstroom Campus.

The North-West University’s GoAllOut Organisation student chapter has achieved a historic accolade in breaking the Guinness World Record with their Pad the Way project for the longest line of sanitary pads.

After meticulous verification, Guinness World Records officially recognised the student chapter's accomplishment, with a staggering count of 51 870 sanitary pads laid out over 3,565 meters (3.5km). This remarkable feat, which was announced on 1 May 2024, underscores the transformative power of collective action and unwavering determination to address pressing social issues.

In a little more than two months, the 2024 Olympic Games will be hosted in Paris, France, and a number of North-West University (NWU) Eagles will make the journey to the Île-de-France region to represent South Africa ... and New Zealand.

The North-West University (NWU) has noted with sadness the passing of Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, former Constitutional Judge of South Africa, on Thursday, 9 May 2024.

Among her various qualifications, Justice Yvonne Mokgoro obtained her B Juris degree (1982) and Bachelor of Laws (1984) from the University of North West (now the North-West University).

On Thursday 2 May, the North-West University (NWU) bestowed an honorary doctorate on Springbok coach and SA Rugby’s former director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus.

Rassie received his honorary doctorate on the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus, and was joined by inspirational national captain, Siya Kolisi and the president of SA Rugby, Mark Alexander, amongst others. It was a day that will long be remembered.

Rooibos tea, which is indigenous to South Africa, is a significant part of the country’s cultural tapestry and holds many tourism opportunities.

By concentrating on rooibos – from its cultivation to its deep cultural and historical roots – the authenticity of the tourist experience can be enhanced.

Rooibos tea is an exceptional South African product that has captivated the global market, reaching over 30 countries. It is growing in popularity due to its health and wellness properties.

Former Springbok captain and firebrand Cheetahs and Bulls hooker, Adriaan Strauss, graduated with honours from North-West University (NWU) with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) on Thursday 25 April.

The graduation ceremony was held on the NWU's Potchefstroom Campus.

In 2022, Strauss enrolled for his MBA at the NWU's Business School, and two years later, he added another qualification to his CV.

The World Cup winning Springboks were named the 2023 Newsmaker of the Year by the National Press Club on Wednesday 17 April. The event is sponsored by the North-West University (NWU) and was held at the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens. Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, lauded the Springboks for their immense achievements and their contributions to nation building, whilst also highlighting the integral role the press plays in working democracy.

The North-West University (NWU) has once again demonstrated its commitment to producing top-tier chartered accountancy professionals, as was evidenced by the outstanding results of its students in the recent South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia (ICAN) Initial Test of Competence (ITC) exams.

- Africa must take ownership of its own wildlife.

- Botswana has proven how effective it is at sustainable wildlife conservation.

- Hunting is an effective tool to manage wildlife sustainably.

Germany’s proposed ban on the import of hunting trophies over poaching concerns has drawn the ire of Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi. Botswana is home to the world’s largest elephant population, which has grown to more than 130 000.