K9 units could give struggling police service more bite
Police dogs are among the most effective yet underutilised crime-fighting tools available to South African law enforcement.
Humanities
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?
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.
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.
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.
The President’s annual national address: Was this another box-ticking exercise?
Section 84(d) of the Constitution vests in the President the authority to convene both Houses of Parliament for a special sitting, a power that is generally interpreted as encompassing, by implication, the delivery of the State of the Nation Address. On Thursday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa carried out the annual presidential ritual of convening the nation and providing an update on the current situation and the everyday lived experiences of citizens.
Hundzula retreat seeks practical digital solutions for low-resource African language
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If African languages are to thrive in a digital world, it is essential that these languages be part of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution sweeping society.
Natural language processing, which enables computers to understand, interpret and generate human language, could play a significant role in enabling African language speakers to benefit from technology advances.
SONA 2026: What to expect — and what not
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his 2026 State of the Nation (SONA) address on Thursday 12 February, and he will do so in a world starkly different from that of a year ago. Political uncertainty, strained international relations and domestic pressures mean the president is operating in a political climate that is no longer simmering but rapidly reaching boiling point.
Alumnus turns military discipline into academic success
By Mzwandile Ndlovu
Mphumudzeni Siphuma, a North-West University (NWU) alumnus, has swopped his military fatigues and rank for civvies and the title of lecturer in Communication, Journalism and Media Studies at the university’s Potchefstroom Campus.