The South African landscape of practical theology is undergoing a pivotal transformation, largely influenced by the rapid advancement of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

The Society for Practical Theology in South Africa (SPTSA) hosted its annual conference at the North-West University’s Vanderbijlpark Campus from 21 to 23 January, illuminated these shifts with the thought-provoking theme: "Practical theology facing digital (AI and ChatGPT) revolutions in the age of homo-digitalis".

Monday, 27 January 2025 was not all business as usual at the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus. Dignitaries from the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) were hosted for a day-long oversight visit to the notable locations on the campus.

On 23 January, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Expropriation Bill. Simply put, the bill allows the state to expropriate land in the public interest, including without compensation.

The signing of the Bill elicited no little backlash from the public, as well as from certain political parties, while others praised it.

But was all the fanfare warranted? According to Prof Waldo Krugell, the answer is an unequivocal “no”.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus is increasing its teaching spaces by constructing new laboratories and lecture halls this year to address the growing needs of students and staff.

The construction of geography and life sciences laboratory spaces under the Faculty of Education began on 15 January. These facilities are located in the central parking area of the A4, A3, A9 and A10 buildings. New lecture halls are also being constructed behind the nursing building.

By Gofaone Motsamai

A study by North-West University (NWU) PhD student Olanrewaju Ogundeyi has provided insightful findings on the use of indigenous languages in radio advertising, highlighting the significant impact of Setswana on brand engagement.

The study examines how MTN subscribers in Mahikeng perceive Setswana-language commercials, revealing how local language marketing resonates deeply within communities in South Africa.

North-West University (NWU) nursing student Bonolo Precious Mogari and her teammates reached the semi-finals and secured a bronze medal for South Africa in the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 in India.

"It was an incredible experience to represent South Africa on such a global stage," says Bonolo. "I have been playing Kho Kho since I was 12 years old, and being part of the inaugural World Cup is a moment I will always cherish."

By: Gofaone Motsamai

Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe of the North-West University (NWU) serves as a longstanding judge at the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards. As an academic at the NWU with extensive experience in the media industry, Prof Motsaathebe has served as a judge at these awards since 2021, contributing his expertise and commitment to upholding excellence in South African journalism.

The North-West University (NWU) Science Centre in Mahikeng has launched a programme to support Grade 10 and 12 learners in a bid to tackle challenges faced by schools in the North West Province, especially those with limited resources that struggle to conduct effective science practicals.

By Mokgothu Phenyo and Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) at the North-West University (NWU) held an awards ceremony on 21 January to honour the 2024 Grade 12 top achievers of the Dean’s Project School Intervention Programme and their tutors.

The North-West University (NWU) hosted the 33rd annual conference of the Southern African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (SAARMSTE) on the Potchefstroom Campus from 13 to 16 January 2025.

This international conference, hosted in collaboration with the North West SAARMSTE chapter, was aimed at promoting research to improve and develop Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (MSTE) programmes in response to current and future needs.