• “The future of Africa depends on ethical leaders who can guide their institutions through the complex intersection of technology, knowledge, and justice,” says Prof Linda du Plessis.

• “African leaders must evolve beyond political or institutional authority to become visionary stewards of digital transformation with an unwavering commitment to ethical and inclusive innovation.”

• “One of the greatest challenges for African higher education leaders is navigating political pressure while safeguarding academic freedom.”

By Gofaone Motsamai

The decolonisation of higher education curricula will not happen overnight. In the words of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Prof Mpho Chaka, it is a “continuous multifaceted journey that involves questioning colonialism’s deep-rooted impacts on the way knowledge is produced and shared”.

Prof Chaka, deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Humanities, was speaking at the faculty’s 2025 Teaching and Learning Colloquium, held at the Royal Marang Hotel in Rustenburg from 9 to 11 September.

Sound financial practices alone do not guarantee strong academic results, says a study by North-West University (NWU) postgraduate student Bongani Steven Dhlamini.

His research, titled “The Contribution of Effective Financial School Management to Quality Teaching and Learning in Secondary Schools”, examined how financial management influences education outcomes.

Nutrition can be used as a tool to control inflammation and address conditions such as tuberculosis (TB) and iron deficiency. In her recent inaugural lecture, North-West University (NWU) Prof Linda Malan drew on findings from years of research to highlight how omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and iron can influence immune function and offer new pathways for treating disease and improving public health.

Nuclear science and capacity building are particular strengths of the North-West University (NWU), as was evident from its inclusion in South Africa’s official delegation at the 69th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Austria.

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Many of us have felt a racing heartbeat and shaky breath before speaking in public, but this anxiety can be rechannelled into energy and confidence to take command of the podium.

The Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) staged a colourful and symbolic “Campus Wedding” on Friday, 26 September, bringing together staff, students and alumni in a celebration of cultural diversity and unity.

The event formed part of the annual Culture Integration Day at the NWU, observed across all three campuses, but this year took on a unique theme: a cross-cultural wedding symbolising the union of South African and international traditions.

By Lihle Sosibo

Following Heritage month, the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) at the North-West University (NWU) proudly turns the spotlight inwards, celebrating its own heritage through its history book titled The Story of SADiLaR.

The North-West University (NWU) Staff Sports Club on the Potchefstroom Campus is proud and excited to represent the university at the upcoming University Staff Sport and Wellness of South Africa (USSWSA) national tournament, taking place in Gqeberha from 9 to 11 October 2025. Hosted by Nelson Mandela University, the tournament will bring together staff teams from 16 universities across South Africa for three days of competitive action and spirited sportsmanship.

The School of Psychosocial Health at the North-West University (NWU) hosted the second Social Workers in Schools (SWIS) International Conference from 10 to 12 September on the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the NWU. The first international conference was held in the United Kingdom during 2024, and the conference in South Africa was the very first of its kind in the country. The conference brought together practitioners, researchers, scholars, teachers and policymakers to share insights and create solutions for learners.