The Riverside Hotel in Vanderbijlpark recently buzzed with intellectual energy as academics, students, policymakers and thought leaders from across Africa gathered for the North-West University (NWU) Trio Conference on Afrocentric Governance, Multilingualism and Transformation.

Over three days, participants from South Africa, Uganda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Malawi and Lesotho and beyond convened to reimagine the development of Africa through an Afrocentric lens – grounded in indigenous knowledge, African languages and cultural values.

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

For South Africa to prosper municipalities must become engines of social justice that engage with citizens, deliver on services and sustainable development and are held accountable for their governance.

Opinion piece by Dr Mabutho Shangase and final-year master’s degree student Masungulo Khoza

The May 2024 national and provincial elections in South Africa were more than a routine democratic exercise; they were a revealing test of the electoral resilience of the country under mounting social and political strain.

Recognition for academic and community impact has placed the North-West University (NWU) in focus after one of its academics and two alumni were named among Inside Education’s 100 South African Shining Stars.

Dr Benjamin Rapanyane, a senior lecturer in political science at the NWU, was selected for his contribution to education in disadvantaged communities and his academic work in African political studies.

The North-West University's (NWU) Faculty of Law hosted a seminar which provided an in-depth exploration of the Companies Tribunal and its essential role in alternative dispute resolution, offering students a closer look at real-world legal practices.

The seminar, held across the Potchefstroom and Mahikeng campuses, was specifically tailored for final-year law students enrolled in the Specific Contracts module (IURI413) and timed to coincide with national and global Consumer Week.

With South Africa preparing for the 2026 local government elections, the role of the media in strengthening democracy and drawing in younger voters is under focus as analysts warn that low youth turnout remains a concern for the credibility of the electoral process.

Police dogs are among the most effective yet underutilised crime-fighting tools available to South African law enforcement.

There was a gentle sense of celebration in the air as guests gathered at Kleinbosch Wedding Venue for the launch of Happiness, Unhappiness, and Chance by Anné Hendrik Verhoef.

Friends, colleagues and members of the university community came together not only to celebrate a new book, but also to reflect on one of the most enduring questions in life: what does it really mean to be happy?

Storytelling in indigenous languages plays a vital role in preserving cultural memory, shaping identity and strengthening community connection.

Wanting to contribute to this, Gofaone Motsamai, a North-West University (NWU) alumnus, has joined Motsweding FM as a drama producer, where he oversees the development and production of radio drama content for Setswana-speaking audiences.

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

When North-West University (NWU) senior lecturer Dr Salphinah Vuloyimuni Ubisi reached a new milestone in her career with a publishing award, she was quick to praise her later supervisor.

In December 2025, she was awarded the 2024 Hiddingh-Currie Award at a ceremony hosted by Unisa for her autobiography, Vuloyimuni: How Research on Hostels, Housing and Intergovernmental Relations Took Me to My Roots.