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.

Energy supply is a critical driver of socio-economic development in African nations as they strive to bridge the gap with developed countries. However, the continent faces significant challenges due to energy poverty and inadequate responses to the ongoing energy crisis.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Humanities, in collaboration with the School of Philosophy, will be hosting a public lecture by Prof Bernard Matolino from the University of Pretoria on 6 September 2024. 

The title of his lecture is “Governments of National Unity (GNUs) and the African polity: Insights from the 2024 South African electoral outcome”. 

On 15 August 2024, the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus hosted renowned Kenyan author and scholar, Prof Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o.  

The North-West University's (NWU’s) School of Government Studies proudly hosted the first of three legs of the Strong Nations for Africa Fellowship Programme from 28 July to 2 August 2024.

The programme, co-designed and co-delivered by the Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG) in Singapore and the African Association of Public Administration and Management (AAPAM), is tailored for senior African public sector leaders. It aims to build a community of leaders committed to enhancing the quality of national governance in their respective countries.

By Loveness Hulwane

The Arts unit at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus recently hosted a 2024 Vaal July event, themed “Celebrating 20 Years of Greatness: Student Life Edition”.

This event aimed to honour two decades of excellence by bringing innovation and a commitment to sustainability to life through fashion and performances. Students were tasked to showcase their creativity by creating garments made from recyclable materials.

While state-owned electricity utilities have long dominated energy production in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), greater private sector involvement could boost energy security across the subregion.

The good news is that SADC member states are actively investing in the energy sector to ensure stability and create opportunities for private sector investment. This is according to Prof Muhiya Lukamba, associate professor in public administration at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Prof Wannie Carstens, the former director of the School of Languages at the North-West University (NWU), has been awarded the prestigious Jan H Marais Prize for his exceptional contributions to Afrikaans as a scientific language by the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns (the South African Academy of Science and Arts). This is in recognition of his high level and high quality of work, as well as his expert contribution to Afrikaans linguistics.