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.
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”.
Prof Dumi Moyo, executive dean of the Faculty of Humanities, and Prof Herculene Kotzé, deputy dean, represented the North-West University (NWU) the Times Higher Education Africa Universities Summit 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, from 18 to 21 March.
By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu
In a world wired for global communication, local languages are falling silent.
This was the stark message during a recent public lecture hosted at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, where policymakers and scholars addressed the growing threat to indigenous languages.
The lecture, held on 3 April and organised by the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area, focused on how publishing, arts and media can contribute to language preservation.
A passionate call has been made to integrate indigenous knowledge of astronomy into the development of responsible astro-tourism – also known as dark sky tourism – in South Africa.
By Gofaone Motsamai
The role of technology in education took centre stage on 19 March 2025 when the Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU) hosted a presentation on using digital tools to enhance learning
The event, facilitated by Prof Mpho Chaka, deputy dean for teaching and learning, featured an online presentation by Sohag Lahiri*, an expert in instructional design and e-learning development.
As the world struggles with the degeneration of democracy and the increasing political dissatisfaction, human rights activism has never been more important. This was the message delivered by human-rights defender Mary Pais during her recent guest lecture on honouring human rights at the North-West University (NWU). Titled “The State of Human Rights and the Importance of Human Rights Activism in a Time of Democratic Recession”, the lecture explored the critical need for community engagement in safeguarding democracy and fundamental freedoms.
The Faculty of Humanities of the NWU recently hosted a seminar aimed at graduates and final-year students who are eager to explore international work and travel opportunities. The Faculty has a strong relationship with the Intercultural Education Corporation (IEC), who sent a delegation to South Africa to share first-hand insight into the Work and Travel in China programme. This programme offers young professionals the chance to work abroad while exploring a new culture.
By Gofaone Motsamai
Master’s degree student Otsile Emily Moatshe from the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area of the North-West University (NWU) is advancing the role of Setswana in academic research.
She is the first student at ILMA to write a master’s-degree dissertation entirely in Setswana, aligning with the research niche area’s focus on African languages in the media. She is supervised Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe – a renowned scholar in journalism, film, and television studies at the NWU.
For decades Dr Masego Ezekiel “Easy” Matjila’s voice has carried the baton of the Setswana language in the hope of handing it over to the younger generation. This message came across loud and clear at a recent event at the North-West University (NWU).
On 13 March 2025, he shared his journey in Setswana broadcasting at the annual public lecture hosted by the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research entity at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.