It all starts at the North-West University (NWU), and the Faculty of Engineering on the Potchefstroom Campus has risen to the occasion to fulfil that mission. For many years, the goal of the biennial Engineering Week has been to introduce high school learners from Grade 8 to 12 to engineering as a fascinating career.

This year the project ran from 2 to 5 July, welcoming learners from across South Africa and neighbouring countries as they started an interactive and engaging learning experience at the engineering facilities of the NWU.

North-West University (NWU) alumnus Dr Thulisile Bhuda has been selected for the Sunday World Unsung Heroes 2024 list under the Youth in Academia and Education category.

The Sunday World Unsung Heroes list acknowledges individuals for their entrepreneurial spirit in making significant contributions to the country.

The relationship started 10 000 years ago and continues to shape our world to this very day. As human societies transitioned from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled farming communities, they recognised the benefits of taming and breeding animals for a variety of needs. Not only did this domestication revolutionise agriculture by enhancing food security, it also allowed the development of complex societies.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijilpark Campus recently hosted a capacity building event for the Student Campus Council to enhance their leadership and administrative skills.

The event featured various speakers, including Prof Sibusiso Chalufu, executive director for student life, Chris Williams, campus director for student life, and Ujeet Maharaj, prosecutor and head of student discipline

By Loveness Hulwane

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus recently hosted the national University Sports South Africa (USSA) Karate tournament at the Tsebonokeng Hall.

The competition featured Clicker, Kata, and Kumite (fighting) categories, and the NWU team ranked sixth in Overall Team Performance among the 12 participating universities.

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Bonolo Monaisa

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area hosted an International Association for Minority Language Media Research conference (IAMLMR) from 9 to 11 July 2024.

Keorapetse Mashimo, an alumnus of the North-West University (NWU) and a teacher by profession, has been awarded the Best Male Referee and Judge trophy at the National Youth and Elites Championships.

The event, organised by the South African National Boxing Organisation (SANABO), took place from 2 to 6 July in Durban and featured participation from all nine provinces.

Keorapetse, who has been officiating since 2018, says this recognition marks a significant milestone in his career.

Nkululeko Khwezilomso Malgas has been appointed as the new head coach of the North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute. He brings a wealth of experience and a diverse background in football coaching and analysis to the role.

Originally from Ngqamakhwe in the Eastern Cape, Nkululeko has dedicated his career to football development and coaching. He began his journey in football as a regional technical officer for SAFA Amathole from 2003 to 2011. During this period, he also served as a full-time football coach at Walter Sisulu University.

The North-West University (NWU) boasts another winner of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans for 2024.  Dr Pieter Odendaal, a senior lecturer in the subject group Creative Writing, was announced a winner in the Arts and Entertainment category.

He joins Dr Monray Williams, a senior lecturer in the subject group Biochemistry, who was announced a winner in the Science, Technology and Innovation category.

 Dr Odendaal views this recognition as an affirmation of his contributions to the arts and the significance of spoken word poetry in South Africa.

Dr Casper Lötter, a conflict criminologist affiliated with the North-West University’s (NWU) School of Philosophy, gives his wish list for what the new Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, can do to improve the country’s correctional services system.