Humanities

Indian Ocean Rim conversation to bridge academia, policy and community needs

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 07:42:55 +0000

Indian Ocean Rim conversation to bridge academia, policy and community needs BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 07/04/2025 - 09:42

By Gofaone Motsamai and Nikelo Mehlomakulu

The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean, serving as a lifeline for international trade and transport. South Africa is a key player in the 23-country Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the North-West University (NWU) is an integral part of the IORA Academic Group, which promotes collaboration among universities, governments and communities in the region.

The South African chapter of the IORA Academic Group visited the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus on 30 June as part of efforts to engage institutions in contributing to the evidence-based policymaking, skills development and inclusive growth in the region.

Prof Mokgadi Molope, senior lecturer in development studies and population in the Faculty of Humanities, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to connecting research, policy and community needs through regional partnerships.

“Partnerships that are intended to facilitate engagement aimed at bridging the gap between government departments and institutions of higher learning are truly appreciated,” said Prof Molope. “We are really interested in ensuring that our staff members and students participate in activities that contribute not only to their research outputs, but also to opening opportunities for further engagement.”

She also highlighted the value of long-term collaboration beyond short-term projects.

“We are hoping that these collaborations are going to assist us to further bridge the gap between the university and communities, because the days of being ivory towers are over,” she explained. “We need to be actively engaged in research that responds to the social and economic needs of our immediate communities, the country at large, and our continent.”

Kgame Molope, lecturer in government studies and chair of the South African IORA Academic Group, stressed the NWU’s role in strengthening regional cooperation.

“Our existence as the South African academic group is aligned to the regional objectives, which include promoting academic collaboration, supporting evidence-based decision making and catalysing regional discussions.”

Staff and students were encouraged to take on the role of academic diplomats, using their work to support national priorities and community needs.

“The opportunity now presents itself: becoming an academic diplomat,” Kgame said. “It is important to realise that universities are doing work on behalf of government to support its priorities.”

About IORA

IORA is an inter-governmental organisation promoting regional cooperation and sustainable development among 23 member states and 10 dialogue partners in the Indian Ocean region.

The Indian Ocean is a key route for global trade, carrying half of the world’s container ships, one-third of bulk cargo and two-thirds of oil shipments.

South Africa, a founding member of IORA, is active in areas such as maritime safety, trade facilitation, fisheries, disaster risk management, tourism, cultural exchange, science and technology, the blue economy and women's economic empowerment.

Since its establishment in 1997, the IORA Academic Group has served as a platform for academics, universities, think tanks and scientific institutions to provide policy and project recommendations to IORA member states.

Prof Mokgadi Molope, senior lecturer in development studies and population

Kgame Molope, lecturer in government studies and chair of the South African IORA Academic Group

Human movement science students to gain hands-on exposure

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:29:44 +0000

Human movement science students to gain hands-on exposure

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/30/2025 - 08:29

In a partnership that aims to provide students with hands-on experience and practical exposure aligned with their academic curriculum, the School of Human Movement Science at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU) has embarked on a transformative collaboration with the North West Provincial Department of Art, Culture, Sports and Recreation (DACSR).

Siyanda Mbatha, a lecturer and PhD student in the School of Human Movement Science, is leading this initiative to align theoretical learning with real-world application. “Our students must understand the relevance of what they are studying, not just within classroom walls, but also in real life, by gaining an understanding of the broader, professional landscape.” Siyanda kicked off her idea by approaching Dr George Marindi, chief director for sport and recreation at the DACSR. Her proposal of collaboration was warmly received, and has led to a dynamic and ongoing partnership.

“This initiative marks a significant step forward in producing well-rounded Human Movement Sciences graduates who are equipped to meet the demands of the sports industry,” she says.

One of the first fruits of this partnership will see Human Movement Science students participating in several provincial and national School Sports Championships, gaining first-hand experience in sports administration, athlete management and other key areas. The first group of selected students will travel with the North West team to the National School Sports Winter Championships. During this event, that will take place in Durban from 11 to 15 July 2025, these students will provide assistance in various operational roles.

NWU lecturer Siyanda Mbatha is passionate about providing students with hands-on experience and practical exposure.

Floyd Shivambu and the fight for his political future

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 07:13:42 +0000

Floyd Shivambu and the fight for his political future

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/26/2025 - 09:13

Enigmatic and erratic, bold and belligerent. Floyd Shivambu walks the line between chaos and command like few other South African politicians do, with both his detractors and supporters asking: What is next for Floyd?

As has become the norm, Shivambu has recently evoked the ire of yet another of his political homes – the MK Party (MKP) – when he publicly stated his intentions to investigate the possibility of establishing a new political party.

This followed his removal as secretary-general of the MKP, accusations that he was planning to oust MKP founder and former president Jacob Zuma, and a fallout with Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.

All of this came in the wake of his very public stints and spats with the ANC Youth League and his defection from the EFF after serving as its deputy president.

Professor Kedibone Phago, director of the North-West University’s School of Government Studies, says that for Shivambu’s political ambitions to succeed, he needs a focused, clearly defined strategy.

“Floyd Shivambu’s departure from the EFF to join the Umkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) was unexpected and runs counter to conventional political logic. From what we’ve observed, his exit appears to be strategically motivated, not merely by a desire to align with Jacob Zuma, but possibly to undermine Julius Malema’s EFF. In his recent media briefing, Shivambu branded the EFF a ‘cult’ and, even after stepping down as MKP’s secretary-general and declining an MP offer, he chose to maintain his MKP membership. That suggests he is keeping his foothold while preparing to launch a new political platform,” says Phago.

He also notes that Shivambu’s social media activity implies he is testing the waters for a new party that reflects his ideological leanings. But the barriers to entry in South Africa’s current political arena are formidable: smaller parties often struggle to gain traction or sustain themselves.

“For Shivambu to succeed, he needs a clearly defined ideological positioning and a robust strategy. He is distancing himself from both the EFF and MKP, yet remains firmly on the left. His appeal may lie among disenchanted EFF and MKP supporters, with marginal EFF–ANC crossover. However, without a solid base, he faces an uphill climb in future elections.

Practically speaking, he might be better served by joining an existing party to consolidate influence – unless he can build a strong voter base that directly challenges

the EFF or MKP in the forthcoming local government elections. Achieving early success in those contests will be critical to any credible bid for 2029.”

Phago also issues a warning that Shivambu would be wise to heed: “Floyd Shivambu is embarking on a perilous political path. His future hinges on whether he can translate ambition into a sustainable alternative. Failure to do so could spell a lasting setback for his career.”

So, what is next for Floyd? If he continues down the same path as before, he might well be anointed South Africa’s King of Political Chaos. That said, hasn’t he already?

Community lekgotla explores cannabis commercialisation

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:50:57 +0000

Community lekgotla explores cannabis commercialisation

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/25/2025 - 09:50

A call has gone out to stakeholders in the North West Province to be part of the process of unlocking the economic potential of “matekwane” - the Setswana word for cannabis - for the benefit of rural communities.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre recently facilitated the Matekwane Community Lekgotla at the university’s Molelwane research and training farm outside Mahikeng. This event brought together various stakeholders, including indigenous growers, small business enterprises, traditional healers, the Department of Agriculture and the Rastafari community.

This recent gathering followed in the footsteps of the 2022 Cannabis Lekgotla, during which NWU vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka made a commitment that the university would contribute to the National Cannabis Master Plan. The 2022 lekgotla was a first of its kind in the country, and was co-hosted by the NWU and the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).

The Matekwane Community Lekgotla was held in preparation for the next national event, the 2025 Cannabis Lekgotla, taking place in September this year.

Dr Thandeka Kunene, cannabis researcher at the IKS Centre, says the purpose of the recent lekgotla was to report on cannabis research that has been done since the 2022 lekgotla, which gave rise to an Industrial Dagga Development team looking at how to include the IKS community in the cannabis development plan for the North West Province.

According to Dr Motheo Koitsiwe, director of the IKS Centre, the role of the IKS Centre is to conduct teaching, learning, research and community engagement in IKS. He said that this multi-disciplinary project will focus on mainstreaming IKS in the cannabis industry, and that the main plan is to establish the IKS Cannabis Hub at the NWU in partnership with DARD.

Dr Lele Moroole, IKS postgraduate coordinator and researcher added that the ethics clearance and Memorandum of Understanding between the NWU’s IKS Centre and IKS communities is in progress.

During the recent lekgotla the IKS Matekwane Sandbox was also introduced - an experiential, experimental commercial research programme to test ways to include various stakeholders, from research institutes and farmers to traditional leaders and healers and the Rastafari community.

Bothobuile Pule, chief director for agricultural support services at DARD, reaffirmed the government's support for the commercialisation, industrialisation and development of cannabis and hemp in the province.

“We call on all stakeholders to come on board, including other government departments such as Health, Education and the South African Police Service, to make it a collaborative effort to deliver tangible outcomes that will make this province a force to be reckoned with,” he said.

Dr Thandeka Kunene from the NWU IKS Centre explains the purpose of the lekgotla.

Bothobuile Pule, chief director for agricultural support services at the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Struggles and shifting realities of informal traders during Covid-19 offer lessons for future crises

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:30:51 +0000

Struggles and shifting realities of informal traders during Covid-19 offer lessons for future crises MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 06/20/2025 - 13:30

By Gofaone Motsamai

When South Africa went into lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the economic impact was immediate. Informal traders – those who operate without formal registration or protection – were among the most affected. With no income, no access to trading spaces and limited government support, many were pushed into a state of deep uncertainty.

A recent master’s study by Koketso Sereo, a lecturer in philosophy at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, examines how informal traders experienced the lockdown and how they adjusted to its restrictions. The study focuses on the practical challenges they faced and their coping strategies, and what their experiences reveal about the state’s approach to informal economic activity.

The findings point to a system that failed to recognise or support this group during the crisis. Many informal traders lost stock due to spoilage or confiscation, while others faced confrontations with law enforcement. The permit system, intended to regulate trade during the lockdown, became a barrier rather than a solution.

“The inefficiencies in the permit system, combined with the absence of clear guidelines, pushed some traders to operate unlawfully – not out of choice but necessity,” says Koketso.

She found that most traders were left to rely on their own resources. Some moved their operations to their homes. Others continued trading in public spaces despite the risk of fines or arrest. These actions were not taken lightly, but were seen as the only way to earn a living in the absence of institutional support. “The government failed to support them,” Koketso states in her findings.

Why graduates and others with skills are turning to informal trade

Beyond the day-to-day struggles of informal traders, the study also highlights important shifts in who is participating in informal trade. “While previous research often highlighted women with limited education as the face of informal trading, my findings show an increasing number of men entering the space, as well as people with post-matric qualifications.”
This shift reflects a broader employment crisis, where even graduates and skilled individuals are turning to informal trade as a last resort.

“The idea that informal trading is only for the uneducated is no longer accurate,” Koketso explains. “More people are turning to it because they have few other options.”

Despite their resilience, informal traders cannot continue to navigate national crises without adequate support, she argues. Her study recommends practical policy changes such as simplified permit systems, targeted financial assistance, access to training and improved communication between the authorities and informal traders.

“The resilience of informal traders needs to be supported by responsive governance and practical interventions. We need to see informal traders as part of the economy, not outside of it.”

Her research suggests that planning for future crises must include informal traders from the start. Without that, they remain exposed to the same challenges that Covid-19 made visible.

Koketso Sereo

Singing your way to well-being and growth

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:36:48 +0000

Singing your way to well-being and growth

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 06/19/2025 - 07:36

Music’s power to heal, inspire and connect took centre stage during the inaugural lecture of Prof Conroy Cupido, director of the School of Music at the North-West University (NWU).

Hosted by the Faculty of Humanities at the Potchefstroom Campus on 12 June, the lecture explored the intersection of music, emotion and positive psychology.

Drawing on research and personal experience, Prof Cupido reflected on how singing supports emotional well-being, flourishing, personal growth and meaningful teaching. “Music offers us more than sound; it provides a space for reflection, connection and growth,” he said. “It allows us to understand ourselves and others through a different lens.”

The event featured live performances by students and staff from the NWU’s School of Music, blending scholarly insight with artistic expression.

The lecture positioned musical engagement as a catalyst for human flourishing, an idea grounded in Prof Cupido’s academic and professional career. “Flourishing is not a luxury, it’s an essential part of education and life,” he said.

Prof Cupido, who holds the first doctorate in vocal performance awarded to a South African, recently completed a Master of Arts in positive psychology at the NWU. His research focuses on music, well-being and the emotional dimensions of teaching and learning.

He also serves as president of the South African Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and is a board member of Cape Town Opera.

Prof Conroy Cupido.

Alumnus excels as senior political reporter

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:58:12 +0000

Alumnus excels as senior political reporter

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/18/2025 - 08:58

Never underestimate the value of actively participating in student activities while studying. Ntlantla Lucky Kgatlhane, now a senior political reporter at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), is testament to that. He started out at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus radio station, writing for the campus newspaper and generating content for the university’s website.

“I would never choose any other university because for me, the NWU is where it all started, where I built the foundation of my career,” he says.

Ntlantla completed his BA and honours degrees in communication from 2008 to 2012 at the NWU, followed by a master’s degree – also in communication – in 2023. He says he made many friends and learnt valuable lessons during this time. “I am grateful for what the NWU instilled in me; hence I always encourage learners to pursue their studies at the NWU after matriculating.

For his master’s research, he investigated the nature of participatory communication in ward meetings of the Jouberton township in the Matlosana Municipality in the North West Province.

Ntlantla, who currently works as a senior political reporter for radio and television at the SABC, was recruited while working at the campus radio station and the Album student newspaper.

Now, with 10 years’ experience in news and political reporting, his daily duties include attending and covering political functions for radio, TV and social media, interviewing sources and keeping track of political developments on credible news websites and social media platforms.

“I particularly enjoy covering news related to the President and senior political leaders from the governing party and other political formations,” Ntlantla says.

Ntlantla also believes in giving back to his alma mater and challenges his fellow alumni to make time in their busy schedules to be part of the NWU’s alumni programmes. “By giving back and sharing our expertise, we can help current students to realise their dreams.”

Ntlantla Lucky Kgatlhane interviews former President Thabo Mbeki.

Vanderbijlpark Campus marks History Month with powerful Sharpeville reflections

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 08:24:16 +0000

Vanderbijlpark Campus marks History Month with powerful Sharpeville reflections

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 06/17/2025 - 10:24

In commemoration of History Month, the School of Social Sciences at the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with its community partner, Vaal HiRAI, hosted a poignant community engagement seminar under the theme “Remembering Sharpeville”. Attended by 36 participants, the seminar served as a powerful reflection on the importance of historical memory and the role of public history in community identity.

The Sharpeville Massacre remains one of South Africa’s most significant and painful historical events. With this in mind, the seminar used Sharpeville as a case study to examine memorialisation, community history, and the importance of preserving local narratives.

“We wanted to highlight the importance of the memorialisation of public histories and the institutional role in preserving these narratives,” explained Ms Basetsana Tsuwane, History lecturer and one of the seminar organisers.

The event opened with a series of reflective presentations by three NWU alumni, who shared personal insights into Sharpeville’s history and its continued resonance in today’s society. These narratives underscored the necessity of safeguarding memory – not just through monuments, but through storytelling, education and dialogue.

The second half of the seminar featured a book discussion led by Father Patrick Noonan, a long-time community figure and social justice advocate. The discussion was followed by a screening of oral history interviews from the Southern Archives offering raw and moving testimonies from Sharpeville residents and survivors.

This session concluded with a presentation by NWU librarians, who showcased the ongoing efforts of the university in digitisation and open access, critical tools in ensuring that knowledge is not only preserved but made accessible to future generations.

In a creative closing gesture, Gilbert Maepa, a visual artist and MA candidate from the VUT, donated a piece of his artwork to one of the speakers, symbolising the role of art in historical healing and remembrance.

The audience included a wide range of stakeholders: teachers from Batloung Primary School, a scholar from the UWC, library officials from Sedibeng Municipality, bookshop owners, community leaders and members of the local clergy. This diverse gathering reflected the collaborative spirit the organisers hoped to foster.

One particularly moving moment arose during the Q&A session when schoolteachers challenged the NWU to take the lead and consider making History a compulsory module across all faculties to demonstrate the urgency of historical literacy in contemporary education.

“The seminar reminded us of our own positionality as educators and academics in shaping how history is remembered and taught,” noted Tsuwane.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many calling for more events like this in the future to deepen public engagement with local histories.

The seminar forms part of a broader initiative to embed community history within academic frameworks and public consciousness. By spotlighting Sharpeville, the event not only honoured the past but also sparked renewed commitment to collaborative historical preservation.

As the university continues its outreach and engagement activities, events like “Remembering Sharpeville” serve as a reminder that history is not just something to be studied – it is something to be lived, shared and safeguarded.

How to unlock the job market for IKS graduates

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:01:24 +0000

How to unlock the job market for IKS graduates

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/11/2025 - 15:01

In the corridors of higher learning, indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) has emerged as a growing academic discipline. But in the job market, its graduates often meet closed doors and puzzled employers. A new study by a recent NWU PhD graduate, Dr Mamello Anna Hlabe uncovers the disconnect between the classroom and the labour market and the consequences for those holding IKS degrees.

“What I wanted to understand was whether the limited job prospects I experienced were unique to me,” says Dr Hlabe. “What I found is that it’s a wider, systemic issue.”

Many employers are unaware of IKS

The study draws on interviews and focus groups with public and private sector representatives. The findings point to a significant knowledge gap: many employers remain unfamiliar with the content and relevance of IKS qualifications. This unfamiliarity creates barriers to employment, leaving graduates underutilised and often excluded from career pipelines.

The study also identifies a shortfall in the IKS curriculum itself. According to Dr Hlabe, the programme lacks strong components in entrepreneurship and innovation, critical tools that could enable graduates to turn indigenous knowledge into economic opportunities.

“The potential is there,” she says. “But without curriculum support that links IKS with enterprise, it remains unrealised.”

Stakeholders noted the absence of structured work-integrated learning such as internships and field-based projects as another limitation. These, the study suggests, could improve graduate readiness and bridge the gap between academic training and practical application.

“Universities need to work closely with employers and communities,” says Dr Hlabe. “That alignment can shape graduates who are both rooted in indigenous knowledge and equipped to contribute to today’s workforce.”

Bring IKS into the mainstream

Among the study’s recommendations: integrate IKS content into mainstream disciplines such as environmental science, public health, agriculture and education.

This, Dr Hlabe argues, can amplify the applied value of IKS in tackling complex national and global issues.

“Partnership is key,” she adds, ”not just between universities and employers, but also with indigenous communities. Elders, practitioners and local leaders must be involved in shaping curricula.”

She advocates for alternative teaching and assessment strategies that reflect indigenous ways of knowing such as storytelling, observation and community fieldwork. “These methods carry knowledge that is no less rigorous than conventional academic tools.”.

Show the practical relevance of IKS

Dr Hlabe also calls for universities to embed IKS-based enterprises such as eco-tourism or indigenous medicine within academic structures, and to institutionalise collaboration with communities through formal agreements and advisory boards.

Raising the public profile of IKS qualifications, she notes, will also require targeted outreach. “Social media, alumni networks and public success stories can shift how IKS is perceived. Career services must help graduates present their skills in ways employers can recognise.”

She concludes: “Indigenous knowledge is not just cultural. It has practical, economic and scientific relevance. With coordinated support, IKS graduates can make critical contributions to national development.”

Dr Mamello Anna Hlabe

Alumnus co-edits landmark books on indigenous knowledge systems

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 06:41:53 +0000

Alumnus co-edits landmark books on indigenous knowledge systems BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/09/2025 - 08:41

By Mokgothu Phenyo and Motsamai Gofaone

Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) are receiving growing academic recognition as a valid and valuable body of knowledge. An important factor in this is the contribution of scholars such as Dr Monicca Thulisile Bhuda, an alumnus of the North-West University (NWU).

She has recently co-edited two academic books on IKS, both published by IGI Global, headquartered in the United States, and accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in South Africa.

The titles are Resurgence and Revalorization of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the Contemporary Society and Revaluation and Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Modern Society. Dr Bhuda edited them in collaboration with Prof Tlou Maggie Masenya of the Durban University of Technology.

The books highlight the relevance of IKS in addressing contemporary social, environmental and economic challenges. Topics covered include epistemic diversity, indigenous curricula, food security, biocultural community protocols and intellectual property rights within indigenous contexts.

Integrating IKS into broader discourses

“Indigenous knowledge holds solutions rooted in local realities. It is time we revalue and integrate these systems into broader academic and development discourses,” says Dr Bhuda.

The publications serve as resources for scholars, policymakers, educators, environmentalists and indigenous communities seeking inclusive approaches to sustainability and cultural preservation.

Dr Bhuda is currently a lecturer in culture and heritage and coordinates a programme on African identities, heritage and history at the University of Mpumalanga. She holds a PhD in Social Sciences with a focus on IKS from the NWU, where she also co-supervises master’s students.

Recognised as a national expert in IKS by the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, Dr Bhuda serves on South Africa’s national panel of experts in the field. In 2023, she received a Voice of Heritage Award from the National Heritage Council and an Alumni Excellence Award from the NWU in the education category.

Her contributions to IKS have also gained her national media visibility, with appearances on television, radio and in academic publications.

“These books are part of a broader effort to mainstream indigenous perspectives in education and policy. They reflect the richness of African knowledge systems and their potential to guide future development,” she says.

NWU alumnus Dr Monicca Thulisile Bhuda co-edited these two academic books on IKS.