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NWU Gallery opens new doors with I Hope You Dance exhibition

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 11:32:48 +0000

NWU Gallery opens new doors with I Hope You Dance exhibition

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/30/2025 - 13:32

“The dance. I miss the dance. I miss the discipline, the sweating, the emotions, the sensations … When I danced, nothing else existed.” – Johnny Clegg, Scatterling of Africa

Quoting these evocative words during his keynote address, North-West University (NWU) vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, officially opened the newly relocated NWU Gallery on the Potchefstroom Campus on 25 June 2025. The quote set the tone for the gallery’s debut exhibition in its new home - I Hope You Dance - a powerful and poetic showcase drawn from the university’s esteemed art collection.

Now situated in Building F16G near Protection Services, the gallery’s new location marks a fresh chapter in its 22-year history. Since its inception in 2002, the NWU Gallery had shared a space with the Ferdinand Postma library and Archives. The move establishes a dedicated environment for art, culture and connection.

The I Hope You Dance exhibition is open to the public until 4 July 2025 and reflects on life as a metaphorical choreography. The featured works explore themes of movement, rhythm, grace, struggle, and transformation, mirroring the complex dance of human experience.

In his address, Prof Tyobeka described the gallery as “an asset not only for the NWU but also for the broader community in our province.” He emphasised that the space must “serve as a platform for all artists to showcase their work and remind us of who we are as a people and our individual and collective roles in society.”

Highlighting the exhibition’s launch during Youth Month, he further reflected on the role of art in shaping collective memory. “It is through various types of artistic expression that we remember events that have shaped our country and the world,” he said.

The group Gospella, an NWU art society, opened the programme with rich vocal harmonies that set a warm tone. The student jazz trio Typical 3 also filled the air with smooth, soulful sounds and created a warm, inviting ambience.

Newly appointed curator Sheryl Msomi expressed her joy at the gallery’s official reopening and thanked attendees for their support. “How much access the people of the NWU have to the university collection is amazing! The fact that staff can reach out to the gallery and loan works for their offices, boardrooms and shared spaces is truly inspiring,” she said.

Senior Manager for NWU Arts, Jaco van der Walt, also shared his appreciation and highlighted the significance of the occasion for the university’s creative community and urged all staff and students to visit the gallery and explore the collection.

From campus to career: Career fair bridges the gap between students and industry

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:48:54 +0000

From campus to career: Career fair bridges the gap between students and industry BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/02/2025 - 14:48

By Gofaone Motsamai and Keaoleboga Motshabi

Dreams met decision-makers, and ambitions found direction. What began as an ordinary Monday at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU), quickly turned into a turning point for many students as they stepped into a world of opportunity at the annual Careers Fair on 20 May 2025.

Organised by NWU Career Services, the event opened doors into industries such as accounting, manufacturing, engineering and auditing. Employers like PwC, SAICA, SARS, Eskom Holdings, South African Breweries, Legal Aid, Shoprite Checkers, the Auditor General of South Africa, Absa and Cifargo participated in the event, meeting hundreds of students eager to learn more about the world beyond graduation.

Hloni Putsoane, employer engagement specialist at Career Services, described the event as a “powerful day of networking, opportunity and future planning”. “Events like this allow students to network, learn about job opportunities and make impressions that could lead to internships, graduate programmes or full-time employment,” he said.

Students had access to real-world insights through direct engagement with professionals. Many used the opportunity to ask questions, hand over CVs and gain understanding of various workplace environments.

“The exposure to 14 companies in fields like accounting, manufacturing, auditing, and engineering offered students a broad view of potential career paths, helping them align their academic training with industry needs,” added Hloni.

He stressed the importance of the event in the context of the national job market. “Given South Africa’s high unemployment rate, such opportunities are critical for improving employability and building professional connections that could lead to job offers or further career development.”

Looking ahead, Hloni said, “There are plans to host public sector and SETA-specific career fairs in the second semester due to the proximity of the provincial government departments in Mahikeng.” He added that the NWU aims to increase company participation, as seen in past fairs where new companies were recruited annually, and to expand virtual and hybrid formats, building on the previous success, to reach more students across campuses.

CareerZone, the NWU’s digital career services platform, remains central to student-employer interaction. “CareerZone allows students to RSVP, share CVs and connect with employers’ after the event,” he added

Students explore various stalls in the Great Hall to gather information.

Accounting Career Fair prepares future professionals

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 06:56:15 +0000

Accounting Career Fair prepares future professionals

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/02/2025 - 08:56

In an ongoing effort by the North-West University (NWU) to improve graduate employability, the Career Centre recently hosted a career fair at the Tsebonokeng Hall on the Vanderbijlpark Campus, fostering a strong connection between students and potential employers.

Accounting students on the Vanderbijlpark Campus seized the opportunity to engage with representatives from 13 high-flying organisations, including BKD Auditors, SAICA, SARS, Standard Bank, Nexia SAB&T and Nwanda Incorporated. This strategic engagement served as a stepping stone in preparing the students for the professional landscape by bringing leaders together under one roof. Throughout the fair, representatives from the respective organisations outlined their graduate programmes and identified paths for NWU students to access these career-launching possibilities.

Jan-Hendrick Delport, a partner at BKD Auditors, highlighted their participation in the fair, saying, “We are actively scouting for talented individuals who are interested in our graduate programme after having completed their studies in financial or chartered accountancy.”

He added: “Our three-year training contract offers comprehensive professional development. Once students have demonstrated the necessary competencies and passed their professional examinations, we can accredit them as qualified chartered accountants and assist with their transition into the industry.”

Delport further stated that BKD Auditors is dedicated to giving students quality learning opportunities while they contribute to the firm’s success, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship that encourages professional progress.

Partnerships to promote excellence

The career fair featured an insightful collaborative interaction between organisational representatives and NWU delegates, focusing on feedback and strategic proposals to boost graduate employability. This session explored how stakeholders may contribute to empower students with the confidence and knowledge required to navigate the competitive job market while learning about the hiring processes.

Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for Teaching and Learning, presented a comprehensive overview of the NWU graduate programme and emphasised that the institution should shift its focus to “preparing students not just for a job, but for a career”.

Thoriso Maseng, senior manager at the NWU Career Centre, advocated for improved university-industry collaboration. “Your organisations may help us mould graduates who not only join the

Professor Linda du Plessis advocates for transformative industry collaborations and leading programmes that provide NWU graduates with the professional skills they need to thrive in today's workplaces and uphold the university's reputation for excellence.

Nexia SAB&T actively engaging with NWU students in a way that represents the organisation's core values of community service and professional growth.

Thoriso Maseng, senior manager at the NWU Career Centre, leads an engaging interaction with representatives at the Big Lapa in order to promote academic preparation and career goals.

The Accounting Career Fair was a success, with students actively participating in networking opportunities that could influence their careers in the financial sector.

NWU Technology Transfer and Innovation Support engages in global dialogue

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 22 May 2025 08:39:37 +0000

NWU Technology Transfer and Innovation Support engages in global dialogue

by Vukosi Mathale

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 05/22/2025 - 10:39

Dr Janine Chantson, chief director of Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) at the North-West University (NWU), recently represented the Southern African Research & Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) and the Alliance of Technology Transfer Professionals (ATTP) at the prestigious annual conference of the Zhongguancun (ZGC) Forum in Beijing. The visit formed part of a knowledge exchange mission by ATTP, hosted by the Technology Transfer Professionals Association of China National Capital Region.

Held under the theme “New Quality Productive Forces and Global Science and Technology Cooperation”, the ZGC Forum is one of China’s premier platforms for international dialogue on innovation. The five-day event featured plenary sessions, a technology trade fair and several parallel forums attended by delegates from around the world.

ATTP chair Dr Alwin Wong delivered a keynote address, highlighting the diversity of global technology transfer ecosystems. On 30 March, Dr Chantson participated in the Global Network for Technology Transfer Professionals forum, where she served as a panellist in a session that focused on strategies to cultivate a skilled technology transfer workforce.

The forum also explored academic-industry partnerships and strategies to enhance professional training systems. “Engaging directly with counterparts in Beijing was invaluable,” said Dr Chantson. “It offered real insight into a fast-evolving technology transfer ecosystem and highlighted the importance attached to international collaboration.”

Beyond the conference, Dr Chantson joined site visits to Beijing Information Science & Technology University, medical research institutes and hospital-based technology transfer offices. She also held constructive discussions with regional associations on strengthening ties with ATTP and expanding RTTP accreditation efforts.

ATTP delegation at the opening day of the ZGC ForumDr Shi Gefu (China), Dr Vincent Zhong (ISTA), Dr Orakanoke Phanraksa (Thailand), Dr Janine Chantson (SARIMA, ATTP), Dr Alwin Wong (ATTP Chair); Dr Anji Miller (AUTM, ATTP), Dr Yang Xiaofei (China), Prof Fazilet Vardar Sukan (USIMP, ATTP), Chinese delegate, Dr Kousuke Kato (UNITT), Dr Andrea Ravaioli (NETVAL), Chinese delegate

ATTP delegation with the hosts, Technology Transfer Professionals Association of China National Capital Region, meeting technology transfer professionals from medical research institutes and hospitals in Beijing

Alumni unpack career and financial pathway

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 06:23:49 +0000

Alumni unpack career and financial pathway BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/24/2025 - 08:23

By: Mafumane Tlhapi and Keaoleboga Motshabi

The North-West University (NWU) hosted an alumni career guidance seminar on 9 April 2024, bringing together five professionals to share their insights on career development and industry opportunities.

The event took place at the Mahikeng Campus, where alumni engaged in discussions ranging from curriculum vitae (CV) writing and career-building developments to financial planning.

Lauren Govender from Westvaal Volkswagen in Mahikeng opened the workshop with a session on building a work and experience profile. “Having a mentor can help guide your path,” she said. “It is also important to explore side hustles to diversify your income and skill set.”

Innocentia Mphuthi, human resources practitioner from the NWU’s People and Culture Department, focused on job application processes. She explained that if you tailor your CV to each job and prepare thoroughly for interviews, employers will look for alignment between your skills and the role.

The possibilities that exist in the tourism and hospitality industries were discussed by Nhlanhla Themba of Mmabatho Palms. He said that there are numerous points of entry to this industry, ranging from hotel management to tour operations, and the field offers a variety of career paths to choose from.

Lebogang Moumakwe from the NWU’s Corporate Relations and Marketing shared some insights about being prepared for the workplace. He mentioned that students should prioritise tasks over titles and concentrate on developing their career capital skills, experience and networks, and should not be afraid to start over.

The seminar ended with a question-and-answer session where alumni sought personalised advice and clarity on industry trends. The platform also allowed for networking and encouraged participants to continue engaging beyond the event through mentorship and professional development opportunities.

Build skills, embrace change and stay ready. Industry experts share career and financial guidance.

AI library assistant robot enhances student experience

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 06:55:23 +0000

AI library assistant robot enhances student experience BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/03/2025 - 08:55

By Gofaone Motsamai

A robot powered by artificial intelligence (AI) has made its debut as the newest library assistant at the North-West University (NWU).

The AI-powered assistant, currently in its testing phase at the Ferdinand Postma Library at the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus, is designed to help students navigate the library, making it easier and quicker for them to find what they need. This is a major step forward in modernising the NWU’s campus libraries and enhancing student experience.

According to Cecil Gasa, manager for library systems, the AI assistant provides real-time navigation assistance, guiding students to specific sections, answering basic queries and offering details about library resources and operating hours.

People-friendly machine

"One of the main advantages is its ability to attract bystanders more effectively than a human assistant. Students tend to interact more comfortably with the robot, which allows our staff to focus on higher-value activities," Cecil explains.

Beyond navigation assistance, the robot contributes to the library's marketing efforts by engaging with visitors and promoting available services.

The introduction of the AI assistant has also helped alleviate the workload of library staff. "While still in the testing phase, we anticipate that the robot will free up time for staff members to handle more complex inquiries and provide personalised assistance where needed," Cecil notes.

As the robot was only introduced in mid-March, the library has yet to receive substantial feedback from students. However, library staff are monitoring student interactions closely to refine the robot’s functionality based on user needs.

What’s in store for the other campuses?

Looking ahead, the NWU is exploring the possibility of introducing similar AI assistants at the Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark campuses. "Once the Potchefstroom testing phase is complete and refined, we will consider expanding the initiative. However, there is no concrete timeline for implementation at other campuses yet," says Cecil.

The university is taking an iterative approach - by introducing improvements based on library users’ feedback - to developing the AI assistant, employing a methodology commonly used in agile development and product management. Future enhancements may include integrating the robot with academic systems to assist students with research-related queries.

"Our goal is to ensure that the robot evolves in a manner that meets user needs while minimising risks and maximising efficiency,” says Cecil. “By incorporating user feedback, we can continuously improve its capabilities over time."

The AI assistant library robot at the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus.

Workshop: discovery and alignment of software acquisitions

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:31:59 +0000

Workshop: discovery and alignment of software acquisitions

by Belinda Bantham

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:31

The North-West University (NWU) took a consultative and agile approach to enhance its software acquisition processes. A dedicated breakaway workshop served as the starting point for this initiative, bringing together stakeholders to address missing or misaligned processes and governance structures.

This workshop aimed to define the problem statement from multiple perspectives, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of software acquisition's current and desired states. The workshop also highlighted potential policy gaps by identifying significant decision points and their contextual relevance. The goal was to develop the first corrective artefacts to streamline processes and improve governance.

Given the cross-domain nature of software acquisition, stakeholders from different perspectives contributed to shaping an inclusive and effective governance framework. The intended outcomes included clear guidelines, well-defined roles and responsibilities, structured governance sub-systems, and streamlined decision-making processes. Specifically, the objectives were to:

· Ensure decision-making aligned with established guidelines, business strategies, university objectives, and the value streams of both the NWU and its business domains.

· Reduce IT-related risks within the NWU’s acceptable tolerance levels while ensuring compliance with laws, regulations and contractual obligations.

· Align the NWU’s software assets with its business objectives to enhance operational efficiency.

· Optimise software asset utilisation through cost-effective measures, including cost recovery strategies.

Andiswa Msi, director for IT academic and office solutions, highlighted the workshop's achievements.

"The workshop was a resounding success, with collaboration at its peak. We tackled key challenges and forged innovative solutions for software acquisition, paving the way for transformative improvements. Next up: streamlined guidelines, campus-wide education, and information sharing—ensuring easy, timely, and fully NWU-compliant processes. I’m proud to be part of this exciting journey!"

NWU Career Services engages lecturers on graduate employability

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:59:19 +0000

NWU Career Services engages lecturers on graduate employability

by Belinda Bantham

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 04/01/2025 - 09:59

"The NWU Career Services continues to take centre stage in driving efforts concerning employability, and to be a convenor of engagements related to employability for NWU graduates," said Thoriso Maseng, senior manager for Career Services and Alumni Relations, during a breakfast engagement session hosted by the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Career Services.

The event provided an opportunity for academic staff to engage with the Career Services team and explore ways to better equip students for the job market.

Nombulelo Malunga, campus liaison officer on the Potchefstroom Campus, welcomed attendees and set the tone for the discussions. This was followed by an insightful presentation by Thoriso, titled “NWU Employability Framework”. His presentation addressed the role of teaching and learning in enhancing students’ career prospects and highlighted the responsibility of universities in ensuring graduates are prepared for the workforce.

During his presentation, Thoriso emphasised that individuals are most employable when they possess broad-based education and training, high-level skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, information and communications technology (ICT), and communication and language skills.

He also highlighted how higher education leaders recognise the opportunities presented by advanced technology and are prepared to integrate them strategically in curriculum design, teaching and learning delivery, and assessments.

Furthermore, he outlined the impact of the NWU’s digital business strategy, which influences various aspects of the university, including classroom environments, student academic support, and collaborations. He also explained the “T” model teaching and learning approach adopted by the NWU, which equips students with expert skills in their chosen fields while providing them with additional competencies that can be applied in other areas, including entrepreneurship.

The session sparked meaningful discussions among lecturers, who provided valuable feedback. One key suggestion was the need for a government-focused career fair in addition to the existing events that mainly feature private sector employers. Another lecturer emphasised the importance of equipping students with basic computer skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, to enhance their employability.

Additionally, lecturers raised concerns that many students were unsure of the career options available to them and often enrolled in qualifications simply because they had no other alternatives. This is a challenge in ensuring students make informed career choices that align with their interests and strengths.

Thoriso responded to the feedback effectively, engaging with lecturers constructively. Hloni Putsoane, employer engagement specialist, also addressed several questions from the audience, ensuring that concerns and suggestions were acknowledged.

In his closing remarks, Thoriso said: "The future requires us to work together in synergy to improve our value as an academic institution and to have a greater impact among students and in our surrounding communities. At the same time, as much is being done across the NWU, more needs to be done in working together and sharing expertise for the common cause of enhancing employability."

He also noted the broader economic challenges affecting employability. "We are certainly living in a time of interesting challenges. Every citizen of this country, in one way or another, experiences the impact of poverty, unemployment and the overall poor economy. These challenges demand a new perspective in driving efforts of employability to ensure that our NWU students can add value to society during and beyond their academic years."

The event highlighted the critical role of the NWU Career Services in preparing students for the job market. By facilitating dialogue between academic staff and career services, the centre continues to enhance graduate readiness and bridge the gap between education and employment. The session was a success, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in shaping students’ career prospects.

Hloni Putsoane, Nombulelo Malunga, Avis Erens and Thoriso Maseng

The session sparked meaningful discussions among lecturers

During his presentation, Thoriso emphasised that individuals are most employable when they possess specific skills.

TTIS starts 2025 with a strong focus on innovation

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 10:03:16 +0000

TTIS starts 2025 with a strong focus on innovation

by Vukosi Mathale

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 03/18/2025 - 12:03

The Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) office has begun 2025 with a renewed commitment to helping researchers turn their ideas into real-world solutions. TTIS has played a key role in two major events: the Research and Innovation (R&I) Induction Session and the Research and Innovation Colloquium.

New researchers were exposed to the various support systems through the R&I Induction Session, which was organised by the NWU's Research and Innovation portfolio. TTIS provided information on patents, licensing and commercialisation tactics, while highlighting the significance of intellectual property (IP) protection.

At the Research and Innovation Colloquium, which took place at the Sun City Convention Centre, the final session was devoted to the topic of “Innovations for shaping a sustainable tomorrow: aligning research to market needs”, with an esteemed panel of experts:

· Ms Nontombi Maseko, director of Innovation and Technology Policy and Strategy at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC)

· Ms Jetane Charsley, chief director (head) of National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)

· Dr Andrew Bailey, RTTP, acting director of Research Contracts and Innovation, University of Cape Town (UCT)

· Mr Duncan Raftesath, NWU Enterprises CEO

Building on this momentum, TTIS has lined up several key initiatives for the year:

· IP awareness sessions: Teaching researchers how to safeguard and market their inventions.

· Meet and greet sessions: Introducing TTIS services and collaboration opportunities to new academic staff members.

· World IP Day: Highlighting the crucial role of intellectual property in innovation and research.

Visit Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS)

Dr Mesuli Mbanjwa

Dr Andrew Bailey RTTP, Ms Jetane Charsley,Ms Nontombi Maseko, Mr Duncan Raftesath and Dr Janine Chantson

Social work students collaborate internationally

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 07:04:36 +0000

Social work students collaborate internationally

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 02/13/2025 - 09:04

In an era where global collaboration is becoming increasingly essential, the North-West University (NWU) is taking commendable steps to broaden its international footprint. First-year social work students are already reaping the benefits of participating in a transformative Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project, which focuses on addressing sexually transgressive behaviour.

The project came to life over the recent festive season, a time typically reserved for relaxation and leisure for many students. However, for those ready to seize the opportunity, the experience proved to be enlightening and impactful.

Dr Luce Pretorius, a social work lecturer and deputy subject group leader at the Faculty of Health Sciences, says the COIL project aligns with the NWU's strategic goals aimed at internationalisation.

"This project emerged from ongoing collaborations fostered through a visit to Inholland University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, which forms part of the NWU’s broader initiative for interdisciplinary education," she explains.

The project successfully united second-year social work and social education students from Norway, the Netherlands and South Africa. Under the guidance of facilitators Carolien Wierda and Stella Wielaart from Inholland, students worked in international groups alongside Dr Pretorius to investigate critical issues surrounding sexually transgressive behaviour in social work and education. Conducted from 20 to 24 January 2025, the project coincided with the holiday break for the South African participants.

"The learning experience did not just involve exploring the complexities of sexually transgressive behaviour; it also aimed to cultivate essential intercultural competencies and professional skills among participants. They delved into topics such as definitions and preventative measures, the role of professionals in combatting such behaviour, and practical challenges encountered in the field," says Dr Pretorious.

One notable aspect of the programme was its engagement with leading experts, including Prof Dr José Ignacio Pichardo Galán from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, who provided invaluable insights on the subject matter. In addition, the use of innovative teaching tools, such as Dialogue Trainer and 360-degree video technology, equipped students with enhanced problem-solving skills and improved cross-cultural communication abilities.

The culmination of the week was marked by group presentations where students showcased their learned findings, accompanied by individual reflection reports. Positive feedback poured in, with participants expressing the value of collaborating with international peers. “I learned a lot, especially from hearing different perspectives and approaches. The collaboration helped me see the challenges of our profession in a broader context,” one student remarked.

Dr Pretorious notes that the COIL initiative demonstrates the NWU's commitment to preparing students for the global arena, promoting intercultural dialogue, and addressing real-world issues.

"The goal of this initiative is to strengthen partnerships with international institutions and create opportunities for students to engage in meaningful projects that enhance both their academic skills and their sense of global citizenship," she adds.