The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus is gearing up to be the host of the 22nd edition of the Southern African Universities Staff Sports Association (SAUSSA) games.

Taking place from 11 to 15 December 2023, the event is poised to draw member universities from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, promoting a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Annually convened in December, the games are hosted on a rotational basis among member universities, with staff members participating in recreational sports, arts, and cultural activities.

The decline in the third quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth to -0,2% from 0,5% in the second quarter of 2023 was worse than expected.

Stats South Africa released the GDP growth figures for the third quarter on 5 December. Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says negative factors have clearly dominated the positive ones to a greater extent than anticipated in that period.

Giving back to the community and supporting underprivileged individuals holds immense value in shaping a better future for all. The Young Alumni Chapter of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus showcased its commitment to making a difference by donating a significant sum of money towards the education fees of deserving graduates and the university’s Meal-a-Day programme.

This act of kindness took place during the campus’s recent year-end function.

Following hot on the heels of prizes at both the Loerie Awards and the Student Gold Pack Awards (read more: https://news.nwu.ac.za/nwu-designers-dazzle-loerie-and-student-gold-pack-awards), North-West University (NWU) students and graduates in Graphic Design continue to reap national and international recognition for their distinctive creativity and skills.

The North-West University (NWU) joined hands with the Colombian embassy and the Honourable Ambassador Maria Del Rosario Mina-Rojas to host the culturally enriching event titled Mother tongue: A multilingual dialogue on building identity, dignity and empowerment in Potchefstroom on 27 November.

He is renowned for his wealth of expertise and numerous research outputs. Now, Prof Ian Rothman, director of the Optentia Research Unit at the North-West University (NWU), again finds himself in distinguished company on his election as a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).

ASSAf was formed in 1996 and represents South Africa in the international community of science academies.

Prof Rothman responded with delight to his election to ASSAf from Taiwan, where he was giving a keynote lecture.

To assist struggling final-year students at North-West University (NWU), the Alumni Relations office hosted various events and successfully raised R90 000. This helps students with outstanding debts of R5 000 or less to clear their financial obligations and graduate in 2024.

The cheque was presented to Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, during the staff year-end function on 24 November 2023.

In a delightful showcase of musical talent, North-West University (NWU) lecturer Thomas Erlank and second-year BA student Sisikelelwe Mngenela took the spotlight as soloists in Salon Music's enchanting Christmas Concert recording.

The recording took place in Studio M1 at the SABC in Johannesburg. Accompanied and guided by Dr Antoinette Olivier, the duo's outstanding performance promises to mesmerise audiences nationwide.

While addressing the current challenges posed by load-shedding, the North-West University (NWU) is also looking at long-term sustainable and greener renewable energy-generation solutions. This will not only ensure energy security, but also underscore the university’s commitment to just energy transition.

Professor in mechanical engineering Prof LJ Grobler represented the North-West University (NWU) at the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) World conference that took place from 25 to 27 October 2023 at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida.

The AEE is an international non-profit membership association focusing on professional development in the energy sector. To help professionals working in the energy sector develop their skills, they offer a variety of training and certification programmes.