In Zimbabwe’s evolving political landscape, where promises of reform have yet to materialise, one unexpected force has emerged – comedy.
While official narratives speak of progress, social media tells a different story, one shaped by satire, memes and skits that turn national struggles into humour. But in a country where dissent carries risks, is laughter merely an escape, or is it a tool of resistance?
The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus recently organised a powerful demonstration of unity and awareness called the Walk of Change, with various internal and external stakeholders participating.
“Part of my job as a house parent involves promoting student wellness. This initiative aims to inspire the university community by setting an example in the pursuit of a more equitable future, where human rights are respected and violence is not tolerated,” said Makhotso Mosikidi, NWU staff member and residence house parent who led the walk.
The North-West University (NWU) Young Guns (YGs) will lock horns with the Stellenbosch YGs in a showdown third-round Varsity Cup Young Guns clash at the Fanie Du Toit Sports Grounds on Monday, 10 March. With both teams boasting a 100%-win record so far, this encounter promises to be a fierce battle with only one team able to continue their perfect winning streak.
Team form and Stats
GoAllOut, a student-led organisation at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, is pressing for legislative action to provide free sanitary pads in schools and public spaces.
“We advocate for the provision of free sanitary pads as we want to promote female hygiene and take a stand against period poverty,” says Karabo Moalusi, a GoAllOut representative.
The Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research entity at the North-West University (NWU) will host its annual public lecture at the Mahikeng Campus on 13 March 2025.
The lecture will focus on the role of indigenous languages in media, with veteran broadcaster and NWU honorary doctorate recipient Dr Masego Ezekiel “Easy” Matjila as the keynote speaker.
By Gofaone Motsamai and Oscar Mosiane
The North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), has established an agri-hub to advance agricultural development in North West.
This initiative represents a substantial progression in addressing critical issues such as food security, economic growth and agricultural sustainability in the province. The hub was launched at the university's Molelwane Farm on Monday, 3 March 2025.
The absence of fathers in households is more than a family issue, it is a societal crisis with lasting consequences for individuals and communities.
Prof Fazel Freeks from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Theology and Prof Elzahne Simeon de Jager from the subject group Social Work are leading a community engagement project to explore how this phenomenon shapes the lives of children, increasing their vulnerability and need for protection.
By Gofaone Motsamai and Oscar Mosiane
In a significant step towards advancing agricultural research and community development, Eden Roots – a bee farming enterprise based in Tloung Village, Mahikeng – donated a honey extractor to the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Crop Science subject group on 28 February 2025.
The honey extractor will be stationed at the NWU’s Molelwane Farm.
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.