By Michelle Hammann

Every year, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Brilliants Programme honours 22 top-performing students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related (STEM-related) study fields. For 2026, Caitlin Mans, a first-year Bachelor of Science student (BSc) in Biological Sciences with Microbiology and Biochemistry, is representing the North-West University (NWU) for this achievement. 

Many athletes dream of greatness from the moment they can walk, but for North-West University’s (NWU) student-athlete La-Morgane Massyn, it all started with curiosity and a cricket bat. At the age of nine, he first tried out for his school cricket team.

Science belongs to everyone and should not be limited by geography, background or access. This is the message the North-West University (NWU) aims to share when it hosts the 2026 Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day at Hoërskool Wolmaransstad on 4 August 2026.

A significant sponsorship of 5100 copies of Indigenous Knowledge Systems: An authoritative guide for South African teachers is set to expand access to this vital educational resource across North West and beyond. The donation, valued at approximately R1,8 million, marks a major step forward in efforts to integrate indigenous knowledge into both school and higher-education curricula.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping education across the globe, offering unprecedented opportunities to personalise learning, improve access to knowledge and ease administrative burdens. However, Africa's education systems must ensure that technological innovation strengthens, rather than replaces, the human relationships at the heart of teaching and learning.

Soil Science students from the North-West University (NWU) proved that excellence goes beyond rankings when they represented South Africa at a recent international soil judging competition, competing against some of the top young soil scientists in the world.

Facing a field of 18 international teams and 72 students from across the globe, the South African team secured 11th place overall, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level. 

South Africa’s children face increasing risks of abuse and neglect, while the professionals responsible for protecting them often work within systems that limit their ability to respond effectively.

This was the message delivered by North-West University (NWU) academic, Prof. Elmien Crofford from the Faculty of Health Sciences, during her inaugural lecture on 1 July 2026.