Uncertainty springs eternal in the South African political landscape, or so it would seem. The Government of National Unity (GNU) has yet to find its feet, and cohesion has not been one of its hallmarks.

According to Professor Kedibone Phago, Director of the School for Government Studies at the North-West University (NWU), there is much to be done if the country is to be defined by its successes rather than its failures.

The state of SOEs: A broken backbone

Despite its vast resources and production capacity, Africa remains heavily reliant on external markets. This state of affairs has prompted Botswana to raise the alarm about low levels of intra-African trade.

“It's disheartening that Africa is still unable to realise trade among its countries,” said Dr Phenyo Butale, Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, delivering a lecture in honour of the late South African Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Aziz Pahad at the North-West University (NWU) on 25 February 2025.

Dr Thulisile Bhuda once stood behind the counter at a Tekkie Town store in in a mall, ringing up customers’ purchases. Now, years later, she stands in front of a lecture hall of students at the University of Mpumalanga, sharing her knowledge of culture and heritage, with a PhD in indigenous knowledge from the North-West University (NWU) behind her name.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Alumni Relations section, in collaboration with the Faculty of Theology, recently hosted a vibrant Theology reunion at the Vanderbijlpark Campus’s Tsebonokeng Hall, providing an excellent opportunity for alumni to reconnect and learn about the latest developments at the university.

Zanele Ngobese, alumni relations practitioner and event organiser, says the aim of the reunion was to foster a sense of community among former students, while also encouraging them to play an active role in the university’s future.

The North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute has reinforced its squad by re-signing a seasoned winger with top-flight and lower-division experience in South Africa and Botswana,Orebotse Mongae.

Mongae previously represented the NWU, returns to bolster the team’s campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

“It brings me peace and harmony to don the colours of this beautiful institution again. I am happy to be back home and play the beautiful game with such amazing people,” he said.

The School of Government Studies at the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a thought-provoking discussion on the dynamics of urban conflict in South Africa, featuring conflict resolution expert Andre Vlok. Dr Seshupo Mosala, a lecturer in the School of Government Studies, and Katlego Mbali Sekwele, part-time lecturer at Vuselela TVET College, were the discussants.

By Kangwa Nkonde

On 21 February 2025, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Engineering, in collaboration with the NWU Language Directorate, celebrated International Mother Language Day.

Observed annually on 21 February, this global event promotes the recognition of linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide. It emphasises the importance of multilingualism in fostering mutual understanding, peace, and dialogue among different cultures and communities.

For many aspiring engineers, the disappointment of not qualifying for admission can feel overwhelming. Failing to meet the requirements in key subjects such as mathematics and physical sciences can dash hopes. However, those determined to pursue their dreams now have a lifeline through the North-West University’s (NWU) Xcel programme.

The North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with the national Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Nyandeni Local Municipality, recently concluded a two-day conference focused on smart villages, themed “Indigenous Knowledge-led Smart Village Regeneration”. This event attracted participation from a diverse group of scholars, researchers, indigenous-knowledge students, traditional leadership and innovators representing various universities both nationally and internationally.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus has taken a significant step to enhance health and safety by renewing its EMS Ambulance service, which officially began operations on 1 February 2025.

This initiative follows the expiration of the previous contract for emergency medical services and aims to offer comprehensive support to students and staff during medical emergencies.