The North-West University (NWU) Entrepreneurship Festival is strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the university by equipping students and aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills and support needed to transform ideas into viable business opportunities. Anchored by the flagship NWU Leopards’ Lair Business Competition, the festival brings together initiatives that promote entrepreneurial thinking, business development and the practical application of innovation.

• More than 99% of the world’s Blue Cranes live in South Africa, yet our national bird remains one of the country’s most underused tourism assets.

• The Blue Crane is a living part of South Africa’s heritage, yet the species’ ‘Vulnerable’ status shows that national-symbol status does not guarantee survival.

South Africa’s wildlife is one of its greatest tourism assets. Every year, visitors travel from across the world to experience animals roaming freely in the country’s national parks, nature reserves and private conservation areas. Yet hidden within these landscapes is a largely unseen threat: bushmeat poaching using wire snares, packs of dogs and other unlawful methods.

The North-West University (NWU) has reached a decisive milestone in establishing the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine following the accreditation of its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE).

The CHE confirmed the accreditation in correspondence dated 21 August 2026. The six-year, 940-credit programme will be offered in contact mode at the Potchefstroom Campus.

For many who grew up in the 1990s, Captain Planet was the environmental superhero who could only be summoned when five young Planeteers united the powers of earth, fire, wind, water and heart. 

It was this familiar image that Prof. Habib Noorbhai, deputy dean for research, innovation, community engagement and postgraduate studies in the Faculty of Health Sciences, used to describe the Faculty of Health Community Engagement Champions and delegates at the African Community-Led Knowledge Co-Creation Conference. 

The North-West University (NWU) 2027 application season is open, and applications are coming in thick and fast. Since the opening of the application season on 1 June 2026, close to 20 000 prospective students have already submitted their applications.

Applications for selection courses will close on 30 June 2026 while applications for general courses and residences are scheduled to close on 31 August 2026.  Applications for postgraduate studies close on 30 November 2026.