Humanities

Voter registration without participation: lessons from SA’s 2024 elections

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.

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Academic and alumni recognised among Inside Education’s 100 Shining Stars

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.

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Law seminar explores Companies Tribunal’s role in dispute resolution

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.

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An evening of celebration of happiness, reflection and art

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?

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Gofaone targets Setswana audiences through storytelling at Motsweding FM

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.

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Award-winning author dedicates award to late professor

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.

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Second Smart Village dialogue aims for implementation

A renewed push to translate indigenous knowledge (IK) into practical rural development will take centre stage when stakeholders gather for the Second Smart Village conference in Nyandeni in the Eastern Cape.

Being held under the theme “Towards an indigenous knowledge-based smart village model: A multi-stakeholder planning dialogue for sustainable rural development”, the three-day engagement from 24 to 26 March 2026 moves beyond conceptual discussions and towards implementation and community participation.

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