In a battle of experience versus youth, the North-West University (NWU) Eagles emerged triumphant on Saturday, 20 September, with a well-matched 23-16 victory over Pirates Rugby Club, claiming the 2025 Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge title. The intense physicality of the match was reflected in the scoreboard, with both teams giving their all.

Pirates piled on the pressure in the opening minutes of the game and converted a penalty kick to take an early lead. The Eagles levelled the score at the five-minute mark of the game through a superb penalty kick from Divan du Toit.

Naming 136 frog species and 407 reptile species in nine South African cultures has been the focus of Fortunate Mafeta Phaka, senior postdoctoral researcher of herptile-human interactions at the North-West University (NWU). His project has produced the first comprehensive analysis of indigenous naming and classification of these species.

Three decades into democracy, South Africa’s cities remain central to the country’s pursuit of social justice but continue to fall short. That was the message from Prof Oliver Fuo, SARChI Chair in Cities, Law and Environmental Sustainability (CLES), during his inaugural lecture on 4 September at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus.

The North-West University (NWU) knows that pool-stage victories count for nothing when it comes to knockout netball. Having already defeated the University of Johannesburg (UJ) earlier in the Varsity Netball tournament, the Eagles are preparing for a rematch that will decide who advances to the final on 22 September.

As was widely expected, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) decided (by a 4 to 2 vote) on 18 September to again pause its interest rate easing cycle for now.

In commenting on this decision, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says the MPC saw the risks around the inflation outlook as being balanced, and inflation as now being contained.

By Gosego Phutieagae

The long-standing tradition of sold-out performances and excited audiences once again greeted the annual Campus Serenade (Sêr) competition at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus.

The three-day cultural showcase featured high-energy music and vocal performances by students from the campus residences.

By Gofaone Motsamai

On a winter’s day in June 2025, the harmonies of the North-West University (NWU) Voices of the River choir filled a recording studio. Less than two months later, on 22 August, the choir released their debut extended play (EP) collection, Seeds of Greatness.

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) is celebrating a major achievement after its Understanding the World of Health teaching team was named one of the winners of the 2025 National University Teaching Award (NUTA).

They received the NUTA award in category 3: A Collaboration of Academics who have shown innovation in teaching and learning.

The spirit of Heritage Month was celebrated with thoughtfulness and intensity by first-year students from the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management at the North-West University (NWU).

On 2 and 3 September, students came together to engage in courageous conversations about one of the most pressing issues in the modern workplace: fairness in recruitment and selection.

By Musawenkosi Matroos

The Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) lit up with excitement as the much-anticipated Mr and Miss NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus 2025 pageant took centre stage at the Tsebonokeng Hall.

The event marked the culmination of a rigorous journey for the finalists, each of whom had overcome a series of challenges to earn their spot in the finale.