Faculties

QS ranks NWU among the top seven universities in South Africa

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 07:17:12 +0000

QS ranks NWU among the top seven universities in South Africa

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/12/2024 - 09:17

The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings place the North-West University (NWU) among the top seven universities in South Africa. QS published its rankings for top global universities for 2025 on 4 June.

The NWU has performed consistently among local universities in these rankings ─ QS ranked the NWU seventh in the country last year too. Globally, the NWU moved into the 851 to 900 ranking category.

It is not only globally and locally that the NWU shines. According to QS, the NWU is now also among the top thirteen universities in Africa.

The university improved its position in both the Employment outcomes and the Citations per faculty categories.

This current ranking by the London-based QS was the 21st edition and included 1 500 institutions from across 105 higher-education systems from around the world. It considers survey responses and hard data to calculate a final score for each university. QS is the only ranking of its kind to emphasise employability and sustainability.

The latest QS rankings follow their World University Rankings by Subject, which were published in April this year. The Rankings by Subject placed three NWU subject groups in the top 700 globally. These are agriculture and forestry (301 to 350 category), physics and astronomy (601 to 640 category), and medicine and health sciences (601 to 650 category). For more information, visit: https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/north-west-university, and for more about the NWU’s performance in various rankings, visit: https://www.nwu.ac.za/rankings.

Dr Anna Mokgokong: Let’s show the world what we are about

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 10:26:58 +0000

Dr Anna Mokgokong: Let’s show the world what we are about BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/06/2024 - 12:26

As we celebrate Youth Month this June, we are reminded of the vibrant energy, resilience, and potential of our nation’s youth.

This year, Youth Month follows a national election that has brought about considerable uncertainty. The political landscape is shifting, and with it, comes both challenges and opportunities. I understand that many of you may feel anxious about what lies ahead, but it is in times of uncertainty that our true character is revealed. I understand that many of you might feel anxious of what lies ahead, but it is in times of uncertainty that our true character is revealed. This calls upon all of us to contribute towards nation building. Through your studies you will be enabled to contribute.

To our students, you are the heartbeat of this university and the future leaders of our country. Your passion, ingenuity, and determination are what will drive us forward. I encourage you to embrace this moment with a sense of purpose and optimism. Engage in dialogues, be active in your communities, and use your education as a tool to influence positive change. Remember, it is often through adversity that the most profound innovations and advancements are made.

To our faculty and staff, your role in guiding and mentoring our students is more crucial than ever. Your dedication to education and your unwavering support provides a stable foundation upon which our students can build their dreams. Let us continue to foster an environment that encourages critical thinking and inclusivity.

At the North-West University, we are committed to navigating these uncertain times with a steadfast focus on our mission to empower and educate the leaders of tomorrow. We will continue to support our students and staff, adapt to the changing landscape, and seek opportunities for growth and improvement.

Let us draw strength from our history, find hope in our present, and work collectively towards a brighter future. Together, we can turn uncertainty into a catalyst for progress and innovation.

Dr Anna Mokgokong

Chancellor of the North-West University

NWU achieves hat-trick with three finalists in run for “Science Oscars”

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 10:14:32 +0000

NWU achieves hat-trick with three finalists in run for “Science Oscars”

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/05/2024 - 12:14

The North-West University (NWU) boasts three finalists in this year’s prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards. The university had a strong showing in the run-up to the awards, receiving eight nominations in the various categories.

The NSTF-South 32 Awards is the largest, most comprehensive and one of the most coveted national awards. It recognises outstanding contributions in science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation by individuals, teams and organisations.

The NWU is proud of the finalists, who include Prof Rose Hayeshi, Prof Linda Godfrey and Jonker Sailplanes (Pty) Ltd.

Prof Rose Hayeshi, director at the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform (PCDDP), is a finalist for the Management Award.

“I am thrilled and humbled to be shortlisted as a finalist in the category for Management in the 2023/2024 NSTF-South32 Awards. It is incredibly rewarding to be recognised for my efforts in leading and inspiring the PCDDP.”

Prof Hayeshi says this recognition is a testament to the amazing PCDDP team that she works with. “I am truly honoured to be counted among such a distinguished group of finalists, and it motivates me even further to keep pushing boundaries and fostering a positive and productive environment in science, engineering and technology.”

Prof Linda Godfrey, an extraordinary professor in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, is a finalist for the Green Economy Award. This award is sponsored by the Technology Innovation Agency. Prof Godfrey is the manager of Circular Innovation South Africa and the principal scientist for circular economy at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

“It is an absolute honour to be a finalist. There are so many remarkable scientists, engineers and technicians working in the green economy field in South Africa. I think our goal is the same, namely to make a difference in the lives of all South Africans and to leave the planet a better place for future generations. I hope that, through my work, I can contribute in some small way to that vision.”

Jonker Sailplanes (Pty) Ltd, with Prof Attie Jonker of the School of Mechanical Engineering as a co-founder, shareholder and director, is up for the Innovation Award for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises.

“It is always nice to receive recognition for one’s work. Over the past twenty years we have developed sailplanes for the international competition market and our products are currently considered to be the best in the world. Sixty per cent of all the participants used our sailplanes during the previous world championships in Hungary in 2022.”

Prof Jonker says the achievements of the product are always recognition for hard work, but it is especially delightful when one receives recognition from colleagues in the sciences.

The winners will be announced at a hybrid event and live broadcast from Johannesburg and Cape Town on 11 July. This will be the 26th awards ceremony and the theme for this year’s event is the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Africa.

Prof Rose Hayeshi, Director at the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform was nominated for the Management Award.

Prof Linda Godfrey, an extraordinary professor in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, was nominated for the Green Economy Award, sponsored by the Technology Innovation Agency. Prof Godfrey is the Manager of Circular Innovation South Africa and the principal scientist for Circular Economy at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Jonker Sailplanes (PTY) LTD, with Prof Attie Jonker of the School of Mechanical Engineering as a co-founder, shareholder and director, is up for the Innovation Award for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise.

First-ever Gauteng open day breaks new ground

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 10:53:35 +0000

First-ever Gauteng open day breaks new ground

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/03/2024 - 12:53

It was another first for the North-West University (NWU) and a day that will live long in the memory of all those who attended it. On Saturday, 1 June, the NWU held its inaugural Gauteng open day at Supersport Park in Centurion.

Learners from schools from across the province were in attendance to get their first taste of what the NWU has to offer. More than 30% of the NWU’s students hail from Gauteng, and the province plays a critical role in the makeup of the NWU, which is one of the biggest universities in the country.

With each step like this open day, the NWU becomes stronger, more relevant and better positioned than ever before. The event also formed part of the university’s celebrations of its 20th year of existence since its establishment in 2004.

All eight of the NWU’s faculties were represented at the event, as were residences from all three the NWU’s campuses, its support structures and more. Supersport Park was also transformed with the distinctive colours of the university, and everyone who attended had a great time.

The Gauteng open day was followed by an alumni event at the same venue on Saturday night, which also saw a spectacular laser show about the NWU on the famous grounds.

Dr Anna Mokgokong, chancellor of the NWU, underlined the significance of the open day at the alumni function, saying: “Today the North-West University spread its wings and soared to a new destination: our first ever Gauteng open day. We made history, as we so often do, because that is what the NWU does. Today, we brought our ethic of care, our expertise and the promise of a better future to a whole new audience. We showed our commitment to reaching out to corners unexplored, to walking on paths untrodden and to making opportunities accessible for all.”

The principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, said that although many goals have been achieved, these will be surpassed in the years to come:

“Central to our strategy is our vision, which is to discover new frontiers and opportunities that benefit society, advancing our relevance and impact. We aim to achieve this vision by providing knowledge and excelling in innovative teaching, cutting-edge research and focused engagement with the community.”

He concluded: “As we look ahead, we are filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement. The future holds immense possibilities, and we are ready to embrace them. We will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge, drive innovation, and make a meaningful impact on society. Our commitment to academic excellence, social justice and community engagement will remain the cornerstone of our efforts. Here’s to the next 20 years and beyond, when we will continue to discover new frontiers, disrupt for the better, and make an indelible impact on society.”

Cheers!

Meet our researchers

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 09:27:31 +0000

Meet our researchers MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 09/28/2023 - 11:27

The faculties at the North-West University (NWU) are doing exciting work on the research front.

Prof Moses Retselisitsoe Phooko is the director of Professional Development and Community Engagement in the Faculty of Law. His research is on the Southern African Development Community (SADC). He explains more about what his research entails.

Prof Peet van der Merwe is a senior lecturer and researcher in Tourism Management. He is part of the National Research Foundation’s research unit for Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES). Learn more about his research.

Prof Germarié Viljoen is an associate professor in the Faculty of Law. She heads research on environmental change. Her research interest broadly revolves around water. Prof Viljoen talks about her research:

NWU excels again in QS World University Rankings – now tenth in Africa

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 08:10:14 +0000

NWU excels again in QS World University Rankings – now tenth in Africa

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/29/2023 - 10:10

The North-West University (NWU) has shown great improvement in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings ― moving up in ranking position locally, in Africa and globally.

The NWU’s performance in these rankings has been consistent for the past five years and the latest results affirm the university’s position among the cream of the crop of local and international universities.

According to QS, the NWU is now among the top seven South African universities in their rankings for top global universities in 2024, which were published on 27 June. The university was in eighth position in the previous edition which was published last year.

Globally, the NWU has shown significant improvement, moving into the 801 to 850 ranking category ― and upwards move from last year’s 1 001 to 1 200 placing.

It is not only locally and globally that the university has climbed the rankings ladder. The NWU is now ranked tenth in Africa ― five positions higher than last year’s 15th place.

This ranking by the London-based QS was the 20th edition and included 1 500 institutions from across 101 locations around the world. It considers survey responses and hard data to calculate a final score for each university. QS is the only ranking of its kind to emphasise employability and sustainability.

This year QS implemented its largest-ever methodological enhancement by introducing three new metrics: sustainability, employment outcomes and international research network. Its indicators include:

academic reputation (30%)
employer reputation (15%)
student-to-faculty ratio (10%)
citations per faculty (20%)
international faculty ratio (5%)
international student ratio (5%)
international research network (5%)
sustainability (5%) and;
employment outcomes (5%).

For more information, visit: North-West University : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | Top Universities, and for more about the NWU’s performance in various rankings visit: Rankings | NWU | North-West University.

Prof Linda du Plessis (left), deputy vice-chancellor for Planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus Operations, receives the QS award from Jessica Turner, chief executive officer of QS, during the ceremony in Dubai, where she also attended a workshop presented by Quacquarelli Symonds.

NWU ascends to top 4,4% of global universities

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 16 May 2023 08:22:53 +0000

NWU ascends to top 4,4% of global universities

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 05/16/2023 - 10:22

The continued climb of the North-West University (NWU) in global rankings has taken it to the top 4,4% of global universities. This is according to the 2023 edition of the Global 2000 list of rankings published by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). It is an improvement from being in the top 4,5% for 2022/2023 and in the top 4,7% in the 2021/2022 edition of the rankings.

This impressive achievement was published on 15 May on the cwur.org website. The NWU was ranked according to academic performance among 20 531 universities worldwide.

The university also improved from last year’s overall score of 71,0 to 71,1 and is ranked 887th in the world. It is ranked in the tenth position in Africa and is still seventh (the same as last year) in South Africa. The NWU is ranked 847th for research and 1 685th for employability.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, says the university is proud of its performance on the global stage. “Rankings recognise the essential work that the university is doing. They enable the university to foster partnerships and collaborate locally and internationally.”

He says excellence cannot be achieved without the staff, students and other role players carrying the NWU’s torch. “I am proud of everyone’s contribution in moving the NWU forwards to reach greater heights.”

According to Dr Nadim Mahassen, president of the CWUR, they publish the largest academic rankings of global universities. The rankings are set apart from others in that they use objective indicators for their four pillars: education; employability; faculty; and research. They do not rely on surveys and university data submissions.

The CWUR also places equal emphasis on student- and faculty-related indicators and employed 62 million outcome-based data points for this year’s rankings.

The CWUR is a leading consulting organisation that provides policy advice, strategic insights and consulting services to governments and universities to improve educational and research outcomes.

Click here for more information on the 2023 CWUR rankings (http://cwur.org/2023.php) or visit Rankings | NWU | North-West University for more information about the NWU’s performance in the various rankings.

Unit for Continuing Education a constant in providing upskilling opportunities

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 13:11:55 +0000

Unit for Continuing Education a constant in providing upskilling opportunities

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 03/08/2023 - 15:11

Time is a commodity that does not enjoy equal distribution. What time you have should be optimised, especially in a fast-paced world where the continuous evolution of one’s skills is necessary to stay relevant in the workplace. We live in a world where stagnation is detrimental to our futures. This is where the Unit for Continuing Education (UCE) at the North-West University (NWU) serves to bridge the gap between where we currently are, the time at our disposal and where we want to be.

Professor Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor of the NWU, explains why the UCE is a crucial cog in the NWU wheel.

Prof, how does the UCE fit into the greater NWU structure?

“The UCE is the strategic partner for faculties to support continuous professional development (CPD) through short learning programmes. Through our interactive website and course catalogue (https://learn.nwu.ac.za/) clients can find comprehensive course information and registration dates and details. Short courses can be offered through different modes of delivery to cater for market-specific needs.”

Why, would you say, is the UCE an indispensable part of the NWU’s makeup?

“The fast-changing world of work requires people to learn new skills on the go. Through the UCE, short courses can serve a range of social and educational purposes, including improving or refreshing participants’ knowledge and skills in a particular field, continuing professional development, learning to use technology, personal fulfilment, social development and good citizenship. Short courses provide flexible, ‘just-in-time’ and ‘just-enough’ learning to meet specific needs, master new knowledge and competencies, facilitate the adoption of innovation and change, and provide for personal and professional development.

“The corporate world requires workers to learn new skills all the time. Driven by automation and AI, job descriptions change and some roles become obsolete, while new skills are needed. Therefore, lifelong learning is a priority and has become an enabler for thriving in the workplace. Attending a short course is made easy through the services offered by the UCE.

“In many professional industries, a number of CPD courses must be completed for career advancement or licensing. CPD courses are, for example, required by the Health Professions Council of South Africa, the South African Medical Association, the South African Council of Educators, the Engineering Council of South Africa and the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa, to name a few.”

Do you think non-formal programmes at universities are sometimes undervalued?

“Formal qualifications as well as non-formal learning programmes play an important role in ensuring that people can keep up with the demands of the workplace. Short courses are often taken by people to broaden their skills in areas outside their formal qualifications.”

How is the UCE geared towards meeting critical skills needs?

“Through market research and our internal quality assurance processes, we can develop short courses for a specific target market. Through the collaborative effort of academics in the faculties and tailor-made support from UCE, the NWU can promise quick delivery at any time and in any place.”

Why are you excited about what the future holds for the UCE?

“I am very excited about the online learning capabilities that enable participants to attend a course at their own pace, at a convenient time. The UCE has made great strides in enhancing its service to internal and external clients through automation and integrated systems. The registration, payment, student support on the learning management system and certification will soon be done through an integrated system, eliminating manual processes and improving the service delivery to our clients. Digital certificates will also be made available in the near future.”

Are there any misconceptions about the UCE that you would like to address?

“The UCE has transformed from a unit that offers short learning programmes on a scheduled contact basis to a unit that can offer short courses in various modalities: online, hybrid, facilitator-led, self-driven and contact, depending on the needs of the client. Although the UCE has a register of approved short courses that can be offered, it is also possible to develop and create customised learning programmes based on client needs.”

End

It is evident that self-directed learning is key for professionals to unlock future possibilities and enhance career success. Through the courses offered by the university’s faculties in collaboration with the UCE, the NWU is an ideal partner to make lifelong learning an exciting journey.

NWU: Empowering our communities

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 07:27:37 +0000

NWU: Empowering our communities

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 01/17/2023 - 09:27

The North-West University (NWU) is committed to bettering the lives of the communities that we serve, and we are proud of our investment in our local communities to aid in their health, prosperity and development. The NWU is a unitary institution that has campuses in Mahikeng, Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark.

In addition to our 587 registered community engagement projects and the 490 community engagement activities that took place in 2021 alone, the NWU has embarked on a supplier development initiative aimed at developing small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the areas where the university’s campuses are located. This forms part of the NWU’s Preferential Procurement Principles as adopted by Council. This means that – as far as possible – we involve local expertise in our facilities projects, and includes construction as well as maintenance services, subcontracting, skills development, labour and material and equipment supply. We are also proud to say that the NWU is transparent in its facilities building and procurement processes as we believe that, by working together, we can help secure a better future for all.

For our local communities this has meant that:

• 55 SMMEs were appointed on the new student housing project on the Mahikeng Campus.

• The targeted local expenditure for this project was R61,6 million and the actual local expenditure was R91 million.

• On the Vanderbijlpark Campus, the targeted local expenditure for the construction of the new Psychosocial building is R6 373 564.

• Since June 2022, R27 million has been awarded to local smaller subcontractors across the NWU’s campuses.

• In total, 76% of procurement expenditure can be recognised as B-BBEE spend, with 45% of that spent on companies with a level 1 and 2 B-BBEE rating.

• On the Mahikeng Campus, a subcontract for services was given to a female-owned cleaning service.

• On the Potchefstroom Campus, two local subcontractors have been appointed for the cleaning services for a duration of three years. In addition, two local SMMEs have been appointed for a landscaping and turf contract on the Potchefstroom Campus.

• The NWU has compiled a database of local jobseekers – general labourers and skilled labourers – to consult whenever a contractor needs labourers on site.

• An integrated digital database on which SMMEs can register and from which they can be sourced for quotations and closed tenders will be communicated to our local communities through our local media outlets early in 2023.

The NWU Council and management are dedicated to ensuring that the university adds value to the local communities that surround its campuses, and we are embedding these principles in policies and business processes to ensure that this vision is actively implemented and reported on. We are unwavering in our strategy to transform and position the NWU as a unitary institution of superior academic excellence with a commitment to social justice.

We are excited that our communities can be part of this journey and we thank you for your support.

NWU has reached capacity – no walk-in students allowed during registration of first-year students

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 07:10:05 +0000

NWU has reached capacity – no walk-in students allowed during registration of first-year students BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 01/17/2023 - 09:10

The North-West University (NWU) will not allow persons who did not qualify for admission, did not receive an offer to study at the NWU or who applied late to enter its campuses to enrol as so-called walk-ins during the registration period for first-year students in 2023.

The NWU has reached full capacity for its 2023 intake, with no extra places available. Close to 200 000 applications were received, of which only 11 662 could be accommodated in terms of our approved enrolment targets.

“The NWU is proud of every Grade 12 learner who has completed their school career successfully and want to wish them well in advance as they embark on their various endeavours. Unfortunately, we are just not able to accommodate any walk-ins who did not qualify during the application process last year,” says deputy registrar Prof Michael Temane.

He says walk-ins refer mostly to non-accepted students who still want to study but did not meet the criteria or did not apply for admission.

Responses to applicants will be sent from 20 January 2023, when Grade 12 results are released. Any prospective students who are uncertain whether they were admitted to study at the NWU should contact the Central Admission and Applications Office (CAAO) call centre or any of the NWU’s campus help desks from 23 January 2023, when online registration will commence.

Central Admission and Applications Office: 018 285 4320

Mahikeng Campus: 018 389 2252/018 389 2525

Potchefstroom Campus: 018 285 2692/018 299 4055

Vanderbijlpark Campus: 016 910 3114/016 910 3023

Prof Temane reminds unsuccessful applicants that another opportunity for registration for further studies exists, as they may register online on the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) website. The CACH sign-up service aims to provide unsuccessful applicants with access to career development services and, where possible, an opportunity to access spaces still available at other higher-education institutions.

Sign-up options:

· WhatsApp message to chatbot number: 078 776 8660

· USSD: *134*225# · Online at cach.ac.za

· More information is also available on Facebook: CACH_SA

The CACH facility sends prospective students’ information to all tertiary-education institutions. These institutions may contact them where places exist and if students meet the requirements.