He was of a different ilk. His immense literary stature cast a shadow under which so many South Africans found solace and comfort. Now, it is with sadness but also gratitude for the many contributions he made both culturally and academically, that the North-West University (NWU) has to say farewell to Prof Hans du Plessis, who passed away on Friday 24 October at the age of 79. 

Prof Hans was a beloved NWU faculty member since his appointment in 1981 as a professor in Afrikaans at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education.

"If your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon," according to British playwright and screenwriter Tom Stoppard. This sentiment is echoed by Thabiso Moss, an alumnus of the North-West University (NWU) and a senior journalist at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

The School of Communication at the North-West University (NWU) hosted an in-person and hybrid Communication Industry Summit on Wednesday, 2 October for students enrolled on all three campuses.

During the summit, industry and academia came together to explore the theme “From Clicks to Connection” to drive the future of communication. Students gained invaluable insight into the world of work and learned about the current careers and challenges in communication while interacting with industry experts and leading recruitment agencies.

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.