Humanities

Geopolitics and conflict in the DRC come under the spotlight at ISS seminar

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 14 May 2025 06:45:18 +0000

Geopolitics and conflict in the DRC come under the spotlight at ISS seminar

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 05/14/2025 - 08:45

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.

Speakers at the seminar, held at the ISS’s offices in Pretoria, discussed the factors underlying the conflict, unpacked some undermining economic, political, security and social factors and explored options for peace, stability, and security in the DRC.

Moderator Ottilia Maunganidze, head of special projects at ISS, steered the ship, outlining the geopolitical landscape and ongoing conflict in the DRC and the need for continental actors to contribute to lasting solutions for the people of DRC and the continent.

Prof Dumi Moyo, executive dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the NWU, during his keynote address, thanked the ISS for hosting this maiden public engagement with the NWU’s newly established Centre for Geopolitics, Security and Strategy.

Robust academic capabilities and policy-relevant expertise

“The NWU brings robust academic and analytical capabilities rooted in African geopolitical perspectives, while the ISS offers a decade of policy-relevant expertise, operational knowledge and access to a continent-wide and international network of security practitioners and policy makers,” Prof Moyo said. “Together, the two institutions offer a comprehensive platform for meaningful engagement on one of the most consequential geopolitical developments on the continent.”

Antonette Bruther, ISS director of operations and human resources at the ISS, also expressed appreciation for the partnership with the NWU, which has led to the establishment of the Postgraduate Diploma in Geopolitics, aimed at equipping law enforcement professionals and practitioners with tools to navigate today’s conflict security landscape.

“This partnership has taken a step forward with the establishment of the Centre for Geopolitics, Security and Strategy at the NWU, an initiative that ISS is proud to support and believes will become a cornerstone for research and policy engagements on the continent,” she said.

The panellists participating in the seminar included Dr Claude Kabemba, executive director of Southern Africa Resource Watch, Dr Michael Mugah, ISS researcher in Nairobi, and Brigadier-General Peter Sereko, operational expert in missions of the South African National Defence Force.

Since January 2025, the eastern DRC has witnessed a sharp escalation in violence, with the M23 rebel group capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu by February. These areas, rich in mineral resources, have become flashpoints in a conflict that has triggered a humanitarian crisis in the Great Lakes region.

Uncertainties abound as tensions remain

The timing of the seminar was opportune. The DRC stands at the centre of a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape where armed conflict and resource governance issues intersect with regional and global security imperatives. The role of the M23 rebel group and subsequent regional military interventions have intensified the tensions between the DRC and Rwanda and also drawn in regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Committee, the European Union and the United States.

The seminar explored the interplay between national interests and regional rivalries that continue to challenge peace efforts. Experts discussed the root causes of the conflict and explored viable pathways toward sustainable peace.

Currently, a fragile ceasefire exists but concerns remain over whether it will hold and what roles neighbouring countries, including Rwanda and Uganda, will play in shaping the trajectory of the conflict.

The seminar provided a crucial platform for policymakers, researchers and civil society representatives to engage with the challenges of securing lasting peace in the eastern DRC, a region whose stability is vital for the entire Great Lakes area. As the conflicts continue, stakeholders who attended the first seminar have requested further discussions of this kind until the conflict is resolved.

The humanities are the soul of our societies says top African academic

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 13 May 2025 08:23:24 +0000

The humanities are the soul of our societies says top African academic

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 05/13/2025 - 10:23

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.

“The humanities are not just academic fields; they are the soul of our societies,” he said. “When we ignore them, we risk losing our collective memory and ethical foundations.”

Prof Falola pointed to the legacy of colonial education models that prioritised Western thought over African perspectives. “We must move beyond the dominance of European theories in our curricula. Our students should learn about African epistemologies alongside global theories to appreciate their own histories and values.”

Calling for a reimagining of humanities education that incorporates indigenous knowledge systems and oral traditions, he suggested that African universities should prioritise storytelling, philosophy and history rooted in African experiences. “It is not just about reclaiming our past; it is about equipping our future generations with the tools to think critically and ethically.”

Prof Falola argued that the skills gained from studying history, literature and philosophy are crucial for leadership, civic engagement and the cultural industries. “The creative sector is growing, and our stories, if told well, can shape global narratives.”

He urged African institutions to embrace a balanced educational approach. 'We cannot build sustainable societies on technology alone. We need thinkers, storytellers and moral philosophers to guide us,” Prof Falola concluded.

Renowned scholar Prof Toyin Falola delivered a public lecture at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.

African historian Prof Toyin Falola receives honorary doctorate from the NWU

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 09 May 2025 15:06:02 +0000

African historian Prof Toyin Falola receives honorary doctorate from the NWU BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/09/2025 - 17:06

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.

Prof Falola, renowned for his extensive scholarship in African history of University of Texas at Austin, culture and decolonial studies, received the degree in recognition of his academic achievements, global influence and decades-long public engagement that has shaped African historical discourse across continents.

Delivering his acceptance speech, Prof Falola applauded NWU’s commitment to holistic education. “I wish to emphasise the value of knowledge beyond classroom walls. Numerous studies have shown that education transcends official instructions since values are first taught at home or in the community.”

He commended the NWU for integrating formal instruction with value-based education: “I feel fulfilled whenever I see an institution that passionately integrates these two elements because that is what education is truly about. Education liberates the mind from mental slavery.”

Standing out for social justice and decolonisation

Highlighting NWU’s contributions to curriculum transformation and African-centred scholarship, he said: “The North-West University distinguishes itself from its contemporaries through its commitment to social justice and the decolonisation of the curriculum. This approach emphasises equality and enables students to engage freely with diverse populations from Africa and beyond without fear.”

Prof Falola also praised the NWU’s reputation for research excellence and graduate impact, acknowledging its efforts to equip students for real-world challenges and celebrate African identity through education. He pointed to the university’s role in producing socially responsible, value-driven graduates who excel in fields ranging from politics and governance to economics, science, engineering, sports, arts and academia.

In 2023, Prof Falola donated 27 books to the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus library, 12 of which he either authored or co-authored. The volumes explore topics such as decolonisation, African politics, philosophy and historical methodology. That was also the year he delivered his public lecture on the campus, hosted by the Indigenous Language and Media in Africa research focus area.

His global influence includes advisory roles for institutions such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, particularly on issues related to refugees, peacebuilding and cultural policy.

The NWU honorary doctorate adds to a long list of awards Prof Fabola has received, including the Lincoln Award, the Amistad Award and the Nigerian Diaspora Academic Prize.

For the NWU, the recognition is not only retrospective but forward-looking – part of a broader mission to honour scholarship that originates in Africa and speaks to the world.

Prof Toyin Falola with Prof Dumi Moyo

New teaching centre will empower students as critical thinkers and change agents

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 09 May 2025 12:51:11 +0000

New teaching centre will empower students as critical thinkers and change agents BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/09/2025 - 14:51

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.

Addressing academics, students and community members, Professor Mpho Chaka, deputy dean for teaching and learning, described the centre as “a base where pedagogy meets purpose”.

Referring to the CTECE as “an academic heartbeat” of the NWU, he said it is more than an administrative entity. “We are here not just to launch a centre, but to ignite a revolution in teaching and learning,” he said. “This centre will empower educators to teach fearlessly through decolonial syllabi, digital repositories of marginalised voices and pedagogies that interrogate power while striving for social change.”

Prof Chaka highlighted the research of scholars Prof Toyin Falola and Prof Hopeton Dunn in shaping the centre's academic vision. He cited Prof Falola's work on decolonial African studies, describing the classroom as a space for intellectual emancipation. “A syllabus is a political document,” Prof Chaka said, emphasising the centre’s mission to reclaim African epistemologies.

Prof Dunn's research on digital equity and media policy also influenced the centre's goals, particularly his advocacy for bridging the digital divide and preparing for the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions. “Our curriculum must dissolve boundaries between disciplines, between experts and communities, between the analogue and digital,” Prof Chaka said.

The CTECE aims to renew the curriculum in ways that are globally dialogic while remaining rooted in African relevance. It seeks to empower educators through workshops, student-led teaching labs and experience-based learning. It also encourages co-designed engagements where students actively participate in shaping pedagogical approaches.

Prof Chaka urged the NWU academic community to disrupt, connect and transform. “Let us teach with excellence, as NWU expects. Let us prepare boldly for tomorrow’s uncertainties. And let us ensure that our students not only think critically but also shine as agents of change within and beyond the university.”

From left to right, Prof Toyin Falola, Prof Hopeton Dunn, Prof Dumi Moyo, Prof Mpho Chaka and Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe unveiling the new centre of teaching excellence.

Academic excellence elevated at Optentia’s transformative writing retreat

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 08 May 2025 13:18:21 +0000

Academic excellence elevated at Optentia’s transformative writing retreat

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 05/08/2025 - 15:18

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.

Participants were immersed in a carefully curated programme that combined expert-led workshops, individual feedback sessions and AI-supported tools for writing and research. The retreat featured an impressive panel of multidisciplinary scholars, including Prof Ian Rothmann, Prof Andries Baart, Prof Vera Roos and Dr Bruno Coimbra, among others.

Topics covered ranged from AI-assisted literature reviews and qualitative data analysis to mixed-methods research design and writing for real-world impact. Evening sessions like the Campfire Conversations and Moonlight over the Vaal dinners provided relaxed opportunities for deeper connection and reflection.

Anjonet Jordaan, project manager at Optentia, describes the event as a landmark in fostering research excellence and collaboration within the academic community.

“The success of the Optentia Usiba Writing Retreat lies not just in the productivity of our researchers, but in the sense of community, inspiration and academic generosity that filled each day. It was deeply rewarding to witness researchers – from master's-degree students to seasoned professors – growing and connecting in such a meaningful way.”

Throughout the retreat, participants reported significant progress on their research proposals, thesis chapters and journal manuscripts. Equally important, they left with a renewed sense of motivation and a deeper understanding of how to conduct and disseminate research that matters – to communities, industries and policymakers alike.

With structured coaching, tailored sessions and peer-to-peer learning, the retreat exemplified Optentia’s mission to develop pathways to humans flourishing through research.

Anjonet says feedback from attendees is abundant, revealing a unanimous sentiment that the Usiba Retreat has established a new benchmark for academic writing retreats in South Africa.

“There are potential plans to maintain this momentum with upcoming events,” she says.

Presenters and PhD students shared their experiences in this video:

The Optentia Usiba Writing Retreat was a great success.

Faculty of Humanities hosts first Africa International Teaching Week

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 08 May 2025 13:15:33 +0000

Faculty of Humanities hosts first Africa International Teaching Week

by Angeline Marokoane

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 05/08/2025 - 15:15

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 AITW 2025 offers an exceptional opportunity for international academics to engage with South African academics and students, share innovative teaching practices and explore collaborative possibilities. Participants will deliver guest lectures on topics relating to social justice in the humanities and present these sessions across all three NWU campuses. More information on the subject areas can be found here.

They will also promote their home institutions through an international exhibition, creating space for networking and future partnerships.

In addition to academic engagement, the programme includes a carefully curated cultural itinerary, allowing participants to experience the richness of South African heritage. Highlights include a river cruise, a visit to Lesedi Cultural Village, a safari experience, and opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and connect with diverse university communities.

The registration fee is €150 and includes accommodation, most meals and all in-country transport during the programme. Applicants are responsible for their international travel and airport transfers. The application deadline is 13 June 2025, and only approved participants will receive further instructions, including payment details and the final programme.

The NWU encourages academics with a passion for social justice and cross-cultural dialogue to apply and be part of this dynamic teaching week. For more information or to submit your application, visit https://www.nwu.ac.za/aitw or email HumanitiesTW@nwu.ac.za.

Join us in shaping global conversations on the humanities and social justice in the heart of South Africa.

Public lecture to share insights on AI, ethics, and the future of humanities education

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 02 May 2025 10:48:57 +0000

Public lecture to share insights on AI, ethics, and the future of humanities education

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/02/2025 - 12:48

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.

Two internationally recognised scholars will headline the lecture. Prof Hopeton S. Dunn, a communications policy expert at the University of Botswana, will speak on “AI, ethics and the challenge to higher education globally”. His academic work focuses on digital inclusion, emerging media and telecommunications policy. Prof Dunn has previously chaired Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission and served as secretary general of the International Association for Media and Communication Research.

The second speaker, Prof Toyin Falola, will present on “Humanities education for African futures: Reimagining scholarship, creativity and knowledge production in a changing world”. Prof Falola is one of Africa’s most cited historians and has held leadership roles in multiple academic associations over a five-decade career. His research and mentorship have influenced the direction of African scholarship internationally.

Prof Mpho Chaka, deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Humanities, says the lecture reflects the faculty’s commitment to academic dialogue on current global and regional developments.

“We are pleased to bring together two highly respected scholars whose work intersects with some of the most pressing debates in higher education,” says Prof Chaka. “This public lecture not only creates space for academic engagement but also affirms the university’s investment in future-focused teaching and research.”

The event is scheduled to begin at 15:00 in the Leopard Room of the Mmabatho Palms Hotel. It will also be accessible via Microsoft Teams and livestreamed on YouTube.

For more information, contact Granny Mogotsi at 018 389 2320 or granny.mogotsi@nwu.ac.za.

Prof Hopeton S. Dunn

Prof Toyin Falola

Service learning is a journey: Seminar encourages curriculum change through community engagement

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 10:55:10 +0000

Service learning is a journey: Seminar encourages curriculum change through community engagement

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 04/30/2025 - 12:55

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.

She shared practical approaches from her time at Rhodes University and the University of the Western Cape, focusing on how educators can embed service-learning into the curriculum. She encouraged participants to reflect on power dynamics, co-creation and justice within the teaching and learning space.

“Knowledge comes in many forms: experiential, cultural and intellectual,” she said, inviting attendees to explore their understanding of service-learning.

The seminar introduced models along a service-learning spectrum, from community-based learning to physical service-learning. Nikki explained how each model requires different levels of engagement, assessment and ethical commitment.

She described community-based learning as including emotional experiences and lectures not necessarily linked to academic outcomes. In addition, service-learning ties directly into curriculum goals with structured reflection. Physical service-learning engages with power and positionality, encouraging long-term community involvement.

“Service-learning challenges the university to reimagine its role, not as an expert, but as a co-learner in society,” Nikki noted.

Nikki highlighted the mutual benefits of service-learning. Students gain skills, apply theory to real-life issues and develop empathy. Community partners receive knowledge and technical support. Universities maintain relevance and social responsiveness.

She emphasised intentional curriculum design, starting with the identification of community priorities and building ethical and reciprocal partnerships.

“Start small. Build relationships with community partners. Align your academic outcomes with real needs,” she advised.

Participants were invited to ask questions and share their experiences. Nikki stressed the need for long-term collaboration and reflection to avoid exploitation and ensure mutual benefit.

“Wherever you are on the spectrum, there is space to grow. The journey matters,” she concluded.

Nikki Green presents strategies for embedding service learning into university curricula during a seminar hosted by the School of Social Sciences.

NWU to award honorary doctorate to leading voice in African scholarship

MARELIZE SANTANA — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:16:18 +0000

NWU to award honorary doctorate to leading voice in African scholarship

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Tue, 04/29/2025 - 11:16

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.

In recognition of a career that has shaped African historical discourse across continents, the university will present the degree during a graduation ceremony at the Mahikeng Campus on 9 May 2025. The award acknowledges Prof Falola’s academic achievements, his decades-long public engagement and his contributions to global scholarship in history and African studies.

“This is not merely an academic gesture – it is a recognition of a body of work that has deepened how we understand Africa’s place in the world,” says Prof Mpho Chaka, deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Humanities. “We are honouring Prof Falola because his scholarship continues to shift frameworks, challenge assumptions and train the next generation of African thinkers.”

Prof Falola started out as a schoolteacher in Pahayi, Nigeria in 1970. He joined the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) as a lecturer in 1981, after completing his PhD in history. By 1991, he had been appointed to the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin.

His career spans teaching appointments at institutions such as the University of Cambridge, York University and the Australian National University. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, as well as the Historical Society of Nigeria, and holds honorary doctorates from 13 institutions globally.

With more than 200 authored or edited books and numerous academic papers, Prof Falola is widely regarded as one of the most prolific scholars of African origin. His work engages a broad array of topics, including African intellectual history, empire and globalisation, religion, migration and diaspora studies.

Campus library is well-stocked with his books

The NWU honorary doctorate adds to a long list of awards that includes the Lincoln Award, the Amistad Award and the Nigerian Diaspora Academic Prize.

For the NWU, the recognition is not only retrospective but forward-looking – part of a broader mission to honour scholarship that originates in Africa and speaks to the world.

Prof Toyin Falola.

Culture and crisis communication in focus with visit from global expert

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:34:49 +0000

Culture and crisis communication in focus with visit from global expert

by Belinda Bantham

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 04/23/2025 - 10:34

Culture and crisis communication took centre stage at the North-West University (NWU) when the institution was honoured to host internationally acclaimed scholar Prof Krishnamurthy Sriramesh from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

With a global academic footprint and numerous accolades to his name – including the prestigious Pathfinder Award and PRIDE Awards – Prof Sriramesh delivered a powerful public lecture titled “The link between culture and crisis communication: Global case studies”.

The event offered a unique opportunity for students and staff to engage with the socio-cultural complexities that shape how different societies respond to crises.

Prof Lynette Fourie, research director for social transformation in the School of Communication, delivered the opening remarks. She admired Prof Sriramesh’s passion for communication and ability to connect with people.

“You can see his love for communication and his deep desire to empower others through knowledge sharing,” she said. Prof Fourie also announced that Prof Sriramesh would soon join the school as an extraordinary professor – a move she believes will significantly support the development of younger colleagues by opening up access to his international network.

During his lecture, Prof Sriramesh emphasised the need for a more holistic and global approach to crisis communication. “Political, economic, societal, activist and media cultures are major influences on how crises unfold and are managed,” he explained. “Yet, they are often overlooked or only subtly addressed.” He urged educators to demonstrate to students how these cultural forces shape the development and handling of crises.

He further stressed that effective communication is not simply about disseminating information. “Listening is more important,” he said. “Only by listening can we align our messages with the people we are trying to reach – and that is something I hope most organisations will strive towards.”

Prof Sriramesh commended the School of Communication for its strong infrastructure and collaborative spirit. “The faculty and staff operate as such a cohesive unit,” he noted. “It was a revelation to see you function this well together. The cohesion within the Faculty of Humanities truly impressed me.”

Watch as Prof Sriramesh shares his insights on his lecture and reflects on his overall experience at the North-West University.

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