By Gofaone Motsamai
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes how knowledge is created, shared and verified, questions are being raised about data use and bias, and whether it could be replicating Western biases and global gender disparities.
Armed conflict has been raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since January 2025, raising many questions about peace, war and geopolitics. The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre for Geopolitical Security and Strategy and Afrocentric Governance of Public Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), analysed the geopolitical and conflict dynamics unfolding in the DRC.
While science and technology are important, these disciplines should not eclipse the need for moral reasoning, history and cultural understanding, said renowned scholar Prof Toyin Falola in a public lecture at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus on 8 May 2025.
Emphasising the critical role of humanities education in shaping Africa's future, his lecture, titled “Humanities education for Africa's futures”, explored the growing marginalisation of humanities disciplines in favour of technology and science.
By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu
One of the world’s most-cited African scholars, Professor Toyin Falola, has received an honorary doctorate from the North-West University (NWU).
The degree was conferred on 9 May 2025 during a graduation ceremony held at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus. This recognition marks a significant milestone in the university’s relationship with the eminent historian, who delivered a public lecture recently humanities education for African futures.
By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu
Spearheading curriculum change, empowering educators to use decolonial syllabi and engaging students as critical thinkers and change agents is the mission of the new Centre for Teaching Excellence and Curricular Engagement (CTECE) at the North-West University.
The new centre, marking the university’s commitment to redefining education in the Faculty of Humanities, was launched at Mmabatho Palms Hotel and streamed online on 8 May 2025.
The Optentia Usiba Writing Retreat 2025, held recently at the tranquil Khaya iBhubesi Conference Centre in Parys, brought together over 76 researchers, doctoral candidates and academic staff from across South Africa and beyond for four days of transformative learning, writing and scholarly connection.
Hosted by the Optentia research unit of the North-West University (NWU), the retreat created a space for structured research progress, intellectual exchange and personal rejuvenation, set against the backdrop of the Vaal River’s peaceful landscape.
The Faculty of Humanities of the North-West University (NWU) is excited to host its inaugural Africa International Teaching Week (AITW) from 31 August to 5 September 2025 across its Vanderbijlpark, Potchefstroom and Mahikeng campuses.
This prestigious event invites 20 higher education practitioners based outside South Africa to participate in a vibrant academic and cultural exchange centred on the theme “The role of the humanities in social justice”.
The Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU) will host a public lecture on 8 May 2025, exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and the future of humanities education in higher education institutions.
The event, to be held at the Mmabatho Palms Hotel and streamed online, will also mark the official launch of the university’s new Centre for Teaching Excellence.
The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Social Sciences hosted a seminar by Nikki Green, an occupational therapist and a service-learning coordinator at Rhodes University Community Engagement.
Nikki used the session to draw from her experience implementing service-learning programmes across institutions and disciplines.
“Service-learning is more than volunteer work. It is about integrating meaningful community engagement with academic study,” said Nikki.
One of the world’s most-cited African scholars, Prof Toyin Falola, is deepening his connection with the North-West University (NWU) and its Mahikeng Campus in particular. Two years after delivering a public lecture there on indigenous languages and global cultural shifts, he is returning to receive an honorary doctorate from the NWU.