Keep up to date with

NWU students present research on traditional cannabis use at international conference

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 08:03:14 +0000

NWU students present research on traditional cannabis use at international conference BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 06/27/2025 - 10:03

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

Cannabis is much more than a plant for South Africa’s traditional healers; it is part of a spiritual practice and a tool for healing in our communities, according to five postgraduate students from the North-West University’s (NWU) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

They presented their research at the Maiden Annual International Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Restorative Development in Africa. The conference, held from 20 to 22 May 2025 in Entebbe, Uganda, brought together scholars and practitioners to explore the role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable development.

The Institute of African Studies and the Africa Indigenous Knowledge Research Network (AIKRN) hosted the conference, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

Homing in on Magogoe Village

The NWU delegation consisted of Phimelo Segooa, Busi Sebea, Masego Segapo, Welile Kunene and Tlamelo Lekwene from the Mahikeng Campus. They presented a paper exploring the knowledge and use of cannabis among traditional health practitioners (THPs) in Magogoe Village, located in South Africa’s North West Province.

Their research highlighted that although cannabis has long been used around the world for its fibrous properties, in South Africa, THPs have traditionally used the plant for medicinal, spiritual and ritual purposes. The study aimed to document how THPs understand and apply cannabis in their healing practices and to examine the challenges they face in doing so.

Using an exploratory design grounded in Indigenous Wholistic Theory, the researchers conducted qualitative interviews and a focus group with 12 THPs. The findings reveal that THPs rely heavily on ancestral knowledge and lived experience to guide their use of cannabis. However, this knowledge is rarely documented and remains largely oral.

“Traditional health practitioners are custodians of generations of knowledge that’s passed down through experience and ancestral instruction,” said Sebea. “What we found is that cannabis is much more than a plant – it’s part of a spiritual practice and a tool for healing in our communities.”

Receiving guidance from ancestors

The study found that THPs use cannabis to treat a variety of illnesses and often administer it according to spiritual instructions from ancestors. Preparation and cultivation methods vary widely and are closely tied to individual practitioners’ beliefs and rituals.

“This research taught us that indigenous knowledge is sophisticated and rooted in cultural identity,” said Segapo. “It must be preserved and integrated into broader conversations about healthcare and policy.”

The study contributes to broader discussions on the role of traditional knowledge in health and development policy, and calls for more inclusive research approaches that respect and incorporate indigenous worldviews.

Postgraduate students who presented at the at the Maiden Annual International Conference

Indigenous games prove popular

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:26:47 +0000

Indigenous games prove popular

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 06/27/2025 - 09:26

If Khumo Feni, an Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) PhD candidate and IKS coordinator at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, has her way, each of the three campuses at the NWU will soon have an Indigenous Games office.

Aimed at promoting indigenous languages, cohesive social structures, and engagement among members of campus communities, the beauty of indigenous games is that they have wide appeal among people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Working and playing together

“I appreciate the interracial engagement of different employees from different backgrounds who are committed to working and playing together,” says Khumo, who has spent the past 12 months facilitating indigenous games and delivering lectures for staff and students on the Mahikeng Campus on the subject.

She has also engaged with provincial government representatives and communities around the campus on the importance and value of indigenous games.

Khumo recently introduced indigenous games to the Student Campus Council and first-year students. The games include all 13 official cultural groups represented in South Africa, demonstrating her “rainbow nation” approach to indigenous games.

Audience members of all ages celebrate indigenous games

One of the most memorable events she has hosted was a North West Province Archives dialogue at the Mahikeng Campus in 2024. During the event she shared details of her PhD’s literature review with an audience consisting of learners from local schools, provincial archivists, cultural practitioners, oral historians, politicians and government officials.

Before starting her talk, titled “The value of indigenous games in moral regeneration”, Khumo sang indigenous game songs to the audience, who immediately responded in kind, creating a vibrant atmosphere of engagement and participation. She also outlined how the Indigenous Knowledge Act 06 of 2019 seeks to promote the future of indigenous games among South Africans.

This interactive experience created a strong sense of nostalgia among the older members of the audience, who commented that “we miss our non-colonised play, it takes us back to the olden days”, while re-igniting the interest of learners in indigenous games. The auditorium was filled with laughter and a strong sense of community as Khumo explained her research findings on indigenous games. By the end of her presentation, participants were eager to revive the playing of indigenous games in everyday life.

Khumo’s experience is that adult participants are delighted to travel down memory lane while young people are eager to learn more about indigenous games and songs that were used for entertainment, teaching and learning before the era of technology took over.

Her next goal is to establish Indigenous Games offices at the NWU’s three campuses. The offices will facilitate indigenous wellness, healing and recreation while creating an environment for stimulating a decolonial student and staff culture within the NWU.

Khumo refers to this as the #A re tshamekeng NWU Indigenous Games community. To receive information on future events, please use this link: https://forms.gle/cFuEMWnFmKS289M87.

Khumo Feni explains an indigenous game to students.

Mathew Moyo reappointed to the national library council

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:22:12 +0000

Mathew Moyo reappointed to the national library council

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/26/2025 - 14:22

Dr Mathew Moyo, chief director for Library and Information Services at the North-West University (NWU), has been reappointed as a board member of the National Council for Library and Information Services (NCLIS).

“I am very honoured and grateful for this opportunity,” says Dr Moyo. “It is encouraging to see that one’s contribution to the sector is acknowledged at this level.”

The appointment, which runs for three years until May 2028, was made by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.

The NCLIS plays a central role in advising four different Ministries: Sport, Arts and Culture, Basic Education, Higher Education, and Science, Technology and Innovation. It provides guidance on national library and information service matters, promoting strategic leadership, literacy, a reading culture and open access to information.

Dr Moyo brings decades of experience in academic librarianship to the NCLIS, along with insight into the challenges facing the sector.

“One of the main concerns is that many schools still do not have functional libraries or trained librarians. The council continues to push for increased funding to address this issue,” he explains.

Within the NWU community, his reappointment is seen as a recognition of both his personal commitment and the university’s broader contribution to strengthening access to knowledge and information services in South Africa.

Dr Moyo’s continued presence on the NCLIS ensures that the academic voice remains part of national conversations around the future of libraries and information access.

Dr Mathew Moyo

Floyd Shivambu and the fight for his political future

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 07:13:42 +0000

Floyd Shivambu and the fight for his political future

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/26/2025 - 09:13

Enigmatic and erratic, bold and belligerent. Floyd Shivambu walks the line between chaos and command like few other South African politicians do, with both his detractors and supporters asking: What is next for Floyd?

As has become the norm, Shivambu has recently evoked the ire of yet another of his political homes – the MK Party (MKP) – when he publicly stated his intentions to investigate the possibility of establishing a new political party.

This followed his removal as secretary-general of the MKP, accusations that he was planning to oust MKP founder and former president Jacob Zuma, and a fallout with Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.

All of this came in the wake of his very public stints and spats with the ANC Youth League and his defection from the EFF after serving as its deputy president.

Professor Kedibone Phago, director of the North-West University’s School of Government Studies, says that for Shivambu’s political ambitions to succeed, he needs a focused, clearly defined strategy.

“Floyd Shivambu’s departure from the EFF to join the Umkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) was unexpected and runs counter to conventional political logic. From what we’ve observed, his exit appears to be strategically motivated, not merely by a desire to align with Jacob Zuma, but possibly to undermine Julius Malema’s EFF. In his recent media briefing, Shivambu branded the EFF a ‘cult’ and, even after stepping down as MKP’s secretary-general and declining an MP offer, he chose to maintain his MKP membership. That suggests he is keeping his foothold while preparing to launch a new political platform,” says Phago.

He also notes that Shivambu’s social media activity implies he is testing the waters for a new party that reflects his ideological leanings. But the barriers to entry in South Africa’s current political arena are formidable: smaller parties often struggle to gain traction or sustain themselves.

“For Shivambu to succeed, he needs a clearly defined ideological positioning and a robust strategy. He is distancing himself from both the EFF and MKP, yet remains firmly on the left. His appeal may lie among disenchanted EFF and MKP supporters, with marginal EFF–ANC crossover. However, without a solid base, he faces an uphill climb in future elections.

Practically speaking, he might be better served by joining an existing party to consolidate influence – unless he can build a strong voter base that directly challenges

the EFF or MKP in the forthcoming local government elections. Achieving early success in those contests will be critical to any credible bid for 2029.”

Phago also issues a warning that Shivambu would be wise to heed: “Floyd Shivambu is embarking on a perilous political path. His future hinges on whether he can translate ambition into a sustainable alternative. Failure to do so could spell a lasting setback for his career.”

So, what is next for Floyd? If he continues down the same path as before, he might well be anointed South Africa’s King of Political Chaos. That said, hasn’t he already?

Prof Bismark appointed chairperson of SABS Board

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:00:13 +0000

Prof Bismark appointed chairperson of SABS Board

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/25/2025 - 12:00

He is known for setting the highest standards for himself, and now Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), has been entrusted with doing the same for the country. As the newly appointed member and chairperson of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), he will steer an institution that plays a critical role in setting and upholding South Africa’s national standards.

SABS was established under the Standards Act (No. 8 of 2008) and is the country’s official standards authority. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality, safety, and competitiveness of products and services. It is responsible for developing, promoting, and maintaining South African national standards, while also providing testing, certification, and technical services to both industry and government. Through its rigorous standardisation and conformity assessment processes, the SABS safeguards consumer interests, supports export readiness, and contributes to broader economic growth. As a custodian of public trust and funding, effective governance of the institution is not only essential, but also imperative.

Prof Tyobeka’s appointment is effective from 18 June 2025, and will run for a five-year term until 17 June 2030, and the announcement was made by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Honourable Parks Tau, who commended Prof Tyobeka’s exceptional expertise and leadership in fields critical to the work of the SABS.

“It is my pleasure to appoint you as member and chairperson of the Board of the SABS,” Minister Tau stated in the official letter. “Your appointment is in recognition of your experience and expertise in areas that I believe can contribute to strengthening the work of the SABS.”

This appointment and the scores of others on governing bodies, not only affirms the leadership credentials of Prof Tyobeka, but also highlights the NWU’s broader commitment to national development, good governance and institutional excellence.

Prof Tyobeka accepted the appointment on 23 June 2025, signalling his readiness to contribute to this vital institution. “I am honoured to serve in this capacity,” he said. “The work of the SABS is foundational to our nation’s industrial and economic health, and I look forward to supporting its mandate with diligence and integrity.”

Botswana alumni deliver tools of success to learners

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:59:59 +0000

Botswana alumni deliver tools of success to learners

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/25/2025 - 09:59

In a classroom where calculators are shared and pencils run short, a delivery of 70 branded pencil cases from the North-West University (NWU) Botswana Alumni Chapter landed with purpose. These cases containing pens, maths sets and scientific calculators represent the means to bridge more than just academic gaps.

The handover took place on 21 June 2025 during the annual NWU Botswana alumni reunion, hosted by the NWU Alumni Office at Avani Hotel in Gaborone. The donation formed part of the chapter’s 2025 corporate social responsibility initiative, which aimed to support learners from Naledi Senior Secondary School in Gaborone.

“This gesture has taught us what it means to ‘plough back,’ as the NWU likes to describe it,” said Aumake Aaron, Naledi’s learner representative council president. “It motivates us to work hard academically. That child who cannot afford a calculator but needs one to excel will one day also feel the love of the NWU.”

Naledi educator Mpho Masasa said the support arrived at a time of financial strain. “There is a lack of funds at the school. We appreciate the compassion shown by the Alumni Chapter. The learners are happy; it bridges the gap. Thank you for giving us love. You are a unique university. We call on all communities to follow this example and start donating to our schools.”

Dr Kemmonye Gracious Amos from the chapter committee said the gesture reflects the NWU’s ongoing commitment to education beyond its campuses. “This is about planting seeds of hope. We believe in nurturing talent from all corners of society, and this is one of the ways we give back to the communities that raised us.”

For the learners at Naledi Senior Secondary School, the pencil cases are more than supplies. They are reminders that someone is paying attention, that even from across a border, alumni still walk beside them, one equation, one exam and one future at a time.

Members of the NWU Botswana Alumni Chapter hand over mathematics sets, pens, and pencils to learners and a teacher as part of a corporate social responsibility project aimed at supporting academic excellence in schools.

NWU-NCU joint research seminar strengthens international collaboration

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:30:52 +0000

NWU-NCU joint research seminar strengthens international collaboration

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/18/2025 - 14:30

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) and the Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) recently hosted a successful inaugural NWU-NCU Joint Research Seminar. This milestone event represented a significant advancement in the ongoing commitment of the NWU to fostering international research partnerships and promoting its strategic goal of internationalisation.

The seminar was the outcome of collaborative efforts led by Prof Aldona Glińska-Neweś from the NCU and Prof Ephrem Redda from the WorkWell Research Unit at the NWU. Their joint leadership, supported by both institutions, was instrumental in the development and coordination of this new academic platform that holds great promise for future scholarly engagement.

Reflecting on the importance of such initiatives, Prof Crizelle Els, director of the WorkWell Research Unit at the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU, emphasised that international academic collaboration is essential for meaningful and impactful research. “This seminar represents more than just a partnership between two institutions – it reflects our shared vision of producing impactful, globally relevant research through collaboration,” she said. “We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for joint publications, interdisciplinary engagement and the development of future research leaders.”

Earlier this year, an invitation was extended to NWU researchers to explore collaborative opportunities with colleagues at the NCU in Toruń, Poland. This invitation led to the identification and alignment of multiple research areas, laying a solid foundation for interdisciplinary collaboration. During the seminar, two presentations were delivered, showcasing the diversity and complementarity of expertise between the participating institutions. Prof Rafał Haffer from the NCU gave a presentation on the impact of the extent of process ordering in the workplace on employee attitudes and behaviour. His presentation was followed by that of Prof Bouwer Jonker from the NWU, who explored the influence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the attitudes and behaviours required of automotive assembly employees.

Prof Els said the seminar served as a dynamic forum for scholarly exchange, offering a platform to explore future joint research opportunities.

“Discussions following the presentations revealed several promising areas for collaboration, including joint publications, student exchange initiatives, and collaborative grant applications,” she explained.

Looking ahead, Prof Els said further joint activities are already being planned, and encouraged faculty members to continue exploring the possibilities outlined in the matched research areas. She added that

this collaboration between the NWU and the NCU was a vital step in building a globally engaged research community and advancing the university’s vision of international academic excellence.

Alumnus appointed CEO of Boxing South Africa

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:04:10 +0000

Alumnus appointed CEO of Boxing South Africa

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/18/2025 - 14:04

North-West University (NWU) alumnus Tsholofelo Lejaka has entered the ring as Boxing South Africa’s (BSA’s) new chief executive officer.

Tsholofelo previously served as BSA CEO from 2016 to 2020, and he returned to the organisation in September 2024 as acting accounting officer. His appointment, effective 17 June 2025, follows a comprehensive recruitment process initiated in January 2025 to restore stability within the organisation.

He says his leadership priorities include rebuilding trust in the sport, engaging stakeholders and sponsors, and implementing resolutions from the 2025 Boxing Convention.

“My return to BSA comes at a time when the organisation faces ongoing governance and financial challenges, and I am determined to overcome these challenges.”

More about Tsholofelo’s journey

Tsholofelo obtained his BA degree in fine art from the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus in 1997. During his time at university, he was involved in student leadership and served on the Student Representative Council.

Following his studies, Lejaka pursued a career focused on public service and youth development. He served as CEO of the Free State Youth Commission, where he worked closely with young people and grassroots organisations across the province.

These experiences shaped his belief in the potential of sport, particularly boxing, as a tool for youth empowerment and social transformation.

NWU alumnus Tsholofelo Lejaka has been appointed CEO of Boxing South Africa.

Alumnus excels as senior political reporter

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:58:12 +0000

Alumnus excels as senior political reporter

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/18/2025 - 08:58

Never underestimate the value of actively participating in student activities while studying. Ntlantla Lucky Kgatlhane, now a senior political reporter at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), is testament to that. He started out at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus radio station, writing for the campus newspaper and generating content for the university’s website.

“I would never choose any other university because for me, the NWU is where it all started, where I built the foundation of my career,” he says.

Ntlantla completed his BA and honours degrees in communication from 2008 to 2012 at the NWU, followed by a master’s degree – also in communication – in 2023. He says he made many friends and learnt valuable lessons during this time. “I am grateful for what the NWU instilled in me; hence I always encourage learners to pursue their studies at the NWU after matriculating.

For his master’s research, he investigated the nature of participatory communication in ward meetings of the Jouberton township in the Matlosana Municipality in the North West Province.

Ntlantla, who currently works as a senior political reporter for radio and television at the SABC, was recruited while working at the campus radio station and the Album student newspaper.

Now, with 10 years’ experience in news and political reporting, his daily duties include attending and covering political functions for radio, TV and social media, interviewing sources and keeping track of political developments on credible news websites and social media platforms.

“I particularly enjoy covering news related to the President and senior political leaders from the governing party and other political formations,” Ntlantla says.

Ntlantla also believes in giving back to his alma mater and challenges his fellow alumni to make time in their busy schedules to be part of the NWU’s alumni programmes. “By giving back and sharing our expertise, we can help current students to realise their dreams.”

Ntlantla Lucky Kgatlhane interviews former President Thabo Mbeki.

Work with artificial intelligence but don’t fear it, says expert

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:55:02 +0000

Work with artificial intelligence but don’t fear it, says expert

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/18/2025 - 08:55

What happens when students begin to wonder if universities are still necessary? This was one of the questions posed by the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Prof Anné Verhoef during a talk for postgraduate students on artificial intelligence (AI).

“AI is changing everything,” said Prof Verhoef, director of the NWU AI Hub and a professor of philosophy. “It is not just about technology. It forces us to ask what makes us human and what skills will matter in the future.”

Organised by the NWU Alumni Office, the event took place on 22 May at the Mahikeng Campus and focused on how AI is reshaping the future of learning, research and work.

Prof Verhoef used the platform to challenge assumptions about the role of higher education in an AI-driven world.

He outlined how AI is now capable of producing text, images, videos and even reasoning through complex problems, and gave examples of how AI is applied in medicine, psychology, engineering and theology, raising questions about the future of human expertise.

“Jobs are disappearing. Others are being created. The key issue is not to fear AI but to work with it,” he said.

Free online course for students now available

To support this transition, the NWU has developed a free online course titled AI for Academic and Career Success. The course is open to all registered students and covers the basics of AI tools, their ethical use and career planning.

The course is designed to promote responsible AI use, Prof Verhoef said. Students will receive a certificate and a career plan once they complete it.

NWU Convocation President Tutu Kgobane encouraged postgraduate students to remain engaged with the university through the Convocation.

“Convocation is the voice of alumni in university matters,” he said at the event. “It is necessary to join because it keeps you connected and informed, and gives you a say in the future of the institution you studied at.”

The NWU AI Hub continues to lead the university’s efforts in promoting ethical, inclusive and practical use of AI through training, policy and academic programmes.

From left are Hloni Putsoane, Prof Anné Verhoef, Relebogile Sekati and Keabetswe Gopane.