As we consider the urgent issues confronting social work in South Africa, it is evident that the profession is at a crucial turning point. On 18 March we commemorate World Social Work Day, and this year’s theme – “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Well-being” – serves as a timely reminder of the vital role that social workers play in our communities.

However, the challenges they encounter risk undermining their efforts and compromising the well-being of those they serve.

The North-West University (NWU) continues to shine in international rankings. The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject place four of the NWU’s subject groups in the top 850 globally, with one of these featuring in the 301 to 350 ranking category. The subject groups are agriculture, environmental sciences, physics and medicine. QS published these rankings on 12 March 2025.

After recent developments, impactful leadership in nutrition is needed now more than ever. The United Nations (UN) Decade of Action on Nutrition* ends this year and USAID funding to Africa and other developing countries has come to an abrupt halt.

He has a recipe for success, and he knows how to collect the trophies. One of South Africa’s favourite sons, Dr Rassie Erasmus, was a welcome sight back at the North-West University (NWU) when he delivered his first guest lecture since being awarded an honorary doctorate in 2024.

The lecture, entitled From the Sidelines to the Spotlight: Insights from a Back-to-Back World Cup Winning Coach, was hosted by the NWU’s Faculty of Health Sciences – School of Human Movement Sciences in partnership with NWU’s Centre for Human Health and Performance (CHHP).

Medical biological scientist Puseletso Manyaka-Lesofe from the Centre for Human Metabolomics at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) has been selected as one of Forbes Africa’s 2025 Over 30 Under 50 honourees for her contributions to science and academia.

The South African landscape of practical theology is undergoing a pivotal transformation, largely influenced by the rapid advancement of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

The Society for Practical Theology in South Africa (SPTSA) hosted its annual conference at the North-West University’s Vanderbijlpark Campus from 21 to 23 January, illuminated these shifts with the thought-provoking theme: "Practical theology facing digital (AI and ChatGPT) revolutions in the age of homo-digitalis".

The North-West University's (NWU’s) subject group Social Work’s annual conference once again highlighted the achievements of fourth-year social work students, according to their block practicum experiences.

The event brought together students, academics, South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) members and practice supervisors for a day of presentations, learning and inspiration.

Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, Minister of Higher Education and Training has given her full support to the establishment of the North-West University’s (NWU) medical school.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) subject group Social Work celebrated its annual Solemn Declaration Ceremony, a significant event for social work students across the university.

The ceremony was organised by senior lecturer Tasleem Sayed from the Potchefstroom Campus, Dr Lucé Pretorius, deputy subject group leader and senior lecturer from the Vanderbijlpark Campus, and Ellen Tlhojane from the Mahikeng Campus.

By Tiyiselani Miyambu

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly disrupted maternal healthcare in rural communities, exposing vulnerabilities and resilience in equal measure. A master’s study by Makgake Ziphorah Mohulatsi, a PhD student in social sciences with sociology from the North-West University (NWU), focuses on women’s experiences in Mmabatho during this challenging period. Her findings highlight key lessons for strengthening healthcare systems in the future.