The North-West University (NWU) begins 2026 on a positive trajectory, recording a notable improvement in the Computer Science subject group of the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings by Subject. This latest ranking underscores the continued commitment of the university to academic excellence and global relevance.

In the most recent THE Rankings by Subject, which was published on 21 January, the rankings place the Computer Science offerings of the NWU in the 601 to 800 group globally, while it featured in the 801 to 1 000 position last year.

The North-West University (NWU) has become the first South African university to adopt an official artificial intelligence (AI) policy. The NWU Council approved the policy at its most recent meeting, further cementing the university’s position as a leader in artificial intelligence in the higher education sector.

When communities across Africa face droughts, floods, and shifting climates, the solutions often begin in the minds of innovators, researchers, and leaders who are committed to a more sustainable future. In March 2026, these changemakers will gather at the Protea Hotel in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, for the International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development (ICGSD) 2026.

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Two postgraduate students from the North-West University (NWU) were awarded top honours at the national Virtualise Your Thesis (VYT) Competition.

Christa Matlou from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Makatu Mashanyu from the Faculty of Engineering represented the NWU at the competition held on 7 November 2025 at the University of Johannesburg.

Mandisa Mazibuko is more than a North-West University (NWU) alumnus – she is a changemaker, a role model and a trailblazer in African agriculture.

Her legacy is not just in what she has achieved, but in how she is inspiring others to step into the field, plant their own seeds of purpose and grow something greater.

Her love for agriculture was cultivated long before she set foot on a university campus. Growing up in a farming community, Mandisa was introduced to livestock farming by her grandfather, a dedicated farmworker.

By Gosego Phutieagae

Human movement science students from North-West University (NWU) will step out of the classroom and onto the field as they take on key support roles at the National School Sports Summer Games on 11 to 15 December 2025 in Kempton Park. The Mahikeng Campus group, guided by lecturer Siyanda Mbatha, will apply their academic training directly to the competitive school sport environment.

Prof Ephrem Redda’s recent presentation at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is offering fresh insight into how digital transformation is changing the face of higher education in South Africa and what this shift means for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which calls for inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.

It is welcome news that in the third quarter of 2025, the economy showed its fourth consecutive rise in economic activity, albeit off a low base.

In commenting on the 0,5% rise in the third quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth, Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says this expected better growth trend confirms that a modest economic recovery is indeed underway.

The North-West University (NWU) is proud to announce that Prof. Brian H. Harvey, from the subject group Pharmacology and the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC’s) Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, has received an esteemed honour as the year draws to a close.

Prof. Harvey has been invited by the Council of the University of Cape Town (UCT) to accept the title of honorary professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences. This prestigious five-year appointment will run from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030.

The cost of digitisation to children’s developing brains cannot be ignored. Children find themselves in a digital world where screens are always within reach. This places increasing pressure on parents to manage the use of technology wisely, especially when it comes to young children.

The North-West University’s (NWU) Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) highlights two intertwined issues. The first is a rising reliance on screen time and the second is a declining presence of healthy, unstructured play.