The Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a its first International Spring School. The event, held at the Khaya Ibhubesi Conference venue in Parys, saw 165 higher-degree students, promoters, and researchers from various South African institutions in attendance, making it a truly enriching and collaborative experience.
By Gofaone Motsamai and Keaoleboga Motshabi
The North-West University’s Faculty of Humanities, in collaboration with the School of Philosophy, hosted a public lecture on 6 September 2024, presented by Prof Bernard Matolino from the University of Pretoria.
The lecture, titled “Governments of National Unity (GNUs) and the African Polity: Insights from the 2024 South African Electoral Outcome”, addressed the state of African democracy and the potential implications of GNUs in governance.
There is no feeling like it. You stand there with bated breath, waiting for your name to be called. This is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication … determination. Underneath your black gown, your nervous system is in flux, you are a veritable cauldron of emotions. “I can’t believe I did it,” you think to yourself. Then it happens. You are called to the front. Applause fills the graduation hall. You hear the cheers of your family. You reflect on the sacrifices they have made, that you have made. You leave the stage, beaming, degree in hand and your future ahead of you.
Prof Wannie Carstens, an accomplished Afrikaans scholar at the North-West University (NWU), was recently honoured with the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns (the South African Academy of Science and Arts) Jan H Marais Prize for his outstanding academic work in Afrikaans.
The prestigious prize ceremony took place at Webersburg farm in Stellenbosch.
From 3 to 6 September 2024, the Optentia research unit at the North-West University (NWU) hosted the Diverse Qualitative Research Perspectives Festival at The Roots Conference Centre, Potchefstroom.
He was a visionary thinker, an activist against an oppressive regime, but also a forgotten figure. No longer. Wits University Press recently released the book Rick Turner's Politics as the Art of the Impossible to universal acclaim, with it even being named News24’s Book of the Month for August.
Gideon van Riet, a senior lecturer in Political Studies and International Relations at the North-West University (NWU), served as one of the editors of the book.
Education uplifts, it enriches lives, and it creates opportunities. Language should not be a barrier to accessing education of the highest quality, and here the POLOKELO project as implemented by the Language Directorate of the North-West University (NWU) is playing a leading role in the promotion of African languages in academic spheres.
History is more than just a collection of dates and events; it forms the foundation of our collective identity and guides us in making informed decisions. By teaching history, we ensure that past lessons are preserved.
To this end, the History subject group at the North-West University (NWU) started a seminar series, initiated by former colleague Dr Laura Phillips, to provide researchers with a platform to present their work to internal and external audiences, to foster new networks and to enhance the university's reputation.
Researchers across the faculties at the NWU continue to produce exciting work in their fields of expertise.
We introduce the work of two researchers - Tumi Ledwaba, a lecturer in History, and Prof Tycho Maas, extraordinary researcher in the School for Ancient Language and Text Studies.
Fortune Tsutsa’s master’s-degree research on the use of social media for newsgathering and reporting by the Potchefstroom Herald exemplifies the power of modern technology in journalism.