Alumni

Vanderbijlpark Campus hosts Inaugural Alumni and Friends Sports Day

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:26:20 +0000

Vanderbijlpark Campus hosts Inaugural Alumni and Friends Sports Day

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/30/2025 - 08:26

The North-West University’s (NWU) Vanderbijlpark Campus burst into life on June 16 as it welcomed back former students, staff, and community partners for its inaugural Alumni and Friends Sports Fun Day. The event, held on Youth Day, blended athletic energy with heartfelt reconnection, marking a new chapter in alumni engagement through the unifying power of sport.

Soccer took centre stage, with friendly yet competitive matches featuring teams such as Black Pool, VUT, Young Alumni Soccer Ladies, and Vaal Ladies. Alumni played alongside staff and invited stakeholders, reviving campus camaraderie and sparking conversations about future collaboration.

More than just a sports day, the event signalled the beginning of a broader initiative - laying the groundwork for the formation of a Vanderbijlpark Campus Sports Alumni Chapter. For organisers, it was about far more than goals scored on the field.

“This event was about more than just sport - it was about reconnecting and reigniting the NWU alumni spirit,” said Zanele Ngobese from the Alumni Relations Office. “Sport has always had the power to unite people. We used that spirit to bring our alumni and friends back into the fold, laying the foundation for long-term involvement.”

Youth Day, with its profound significance in South African history, served as a meaningful backdrop. As attendees laced up their boots and shared memories on the sidelines, the atmosphere echoed the NWU’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment through education and sport.

In attendance was Silvanus Welcome, director for development and fundraising, who emphasised the strategic role of alumni in the university’s growth.

“Our alumni are a vital part of the university’s development ecosystem. This event exemplifies how social and sporting platforms can be used not just to build relationships, but to ignite philanthropic interest and collaborative growth opportunities for the campus and surrounding communities.”

The day also featured informal discussions around student-athlete support, mentorship, and the role alumni can play in shaping a more inclusive, empowered NWU community.

While a few minor challenges emerged, such as a brief shortage of amenities due to the public holiday; the event ran smoothly overall, thanks to a responsive organising team and a deeply engaged audience. Many attendees praised the welcoming atmosphere, community spirit, and the strategic direction the event represented.

With over 100 attendees, enthusiastic feedback, and growing interest from those who could not attend, plans are already underway to make the Alumni and Friends Sports Day a flagship annual event, with potential for expansion to other NWU campuses.

“The overwhelmingly positive response confirms that there’s a real appetite for meaningful alumni engagement,” said Zanele. “We’re excited to build on this momentum.”

As the final whistle blew and teams posed for photos, it was clear that the day had scored more than goals. It had rekindled connections, inspired new ideas, and reminded everyone of the enduring bond between the NWU and its people - on and off the field.

Soccer took centre stage at the inaugural NWU Alumni and Friends Sports Fun Day.

Digitising government procurement could curb fraud and corruption and enhance efficiency

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:21:27 +0000

Digitising government procurement could curb fraud and corruption and enhance efficiency

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/30/2025 - 08:21

Digitising manual procurement processes in government could assist in curbing corruption and bolster a culture of accountability. This is according to PhD graduate Dr Lawrence Moetapele Mojaki of the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA).

Dr Mojaki is a deputy director for supply chain management at the GPAA and recently completed his PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU).

His PhD explored the advantages of developing a digital procurement framework based on Industry 4.0 technologies for the public sector in South Africa.

“There is a need to migrate the manual procurement processes in government to digital, which has frameworks that can assist in curbing corruption in the public coffers and to make sure that there is accountability,” says Dr Mojaki, who has already written five articles from his PhD research. Three of these have been published and two are under peer review.

He notes that while governments around the world increasingly recognise the need to embrace technology in their public procurement processes, the South African government has not yet fully adopted digitisation.

Public procurement activities still rely on manual processes, which create loopholes for human interference and fraud and corruption, ultimately resulting in waste and poor service delivery.

Dr Majoki’s study explored the linkages between the internet of things, cloud computing and sustainable public procurement. He interrogated the literature on Industry 4.0 technologies in South Africa and considered various digital technologies that government can harness to improve its procurement processes.

His findings show that Industry 4.0 technologies present significant opportunities to improve public procurement systems in South Africa, while at the same time addressing sustainability by enhancing efficiency and improving preferential procurement initiatives.

The study also presented an implementation plan for a digital procurement framework that would enable full automation and cut out human error and intervention – and therefore also eliminate opportunities for fraud and corruption.

Dr Lawrence Moetapele Mojaki recently graduated with a PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration from the NWU.

Botswana alumni deliver tools of success to learners

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:59:59 +0000

Botswana alumni deliver tools of success to learners

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/25/2025 - 09:59

In a classroom where calculators are shared and pencils run short, a delivery of 70 branded pencil cases from the North-West University (NWU) Botswana Alumni Chapter landed with purpose. These cases containing pens, maths sets and scientific calculators represent the means to bridge more than just academic gaps.

The handover took place on 21 June 2025 during the annual NWU Botswana alumni reunion, hosted by the NWU Alumni Office at Avani Hotel in Gaborone. The donation formed part of the chapter’s 2025 corporate social responsibility initiative, which aimed to support learners from Naledi Senior Secondary School in Gaborone.

“This gesture has taught us what it means to ‘plough back,’ as the NWU likes to describe it,” said Aumake Aaron, Naledi’s learner representative council president. “It motivates us to work hard academically. That child who cannot afford a calculator but needs one to excel will one day also feel the love of the NWU.”

Naledi educator Mpho Masasa said the support arrived at a time of financial strain. “There is a lack of funds at the school. We appreciate the compassion shown by the Alumni Chapter. The learners are happy; it bridges the gap. Thank you for giving us love. You are a unique university. We call on all communities to follow this example and start donating to our schools.”

Dr Kemmonye Gracious Amos from the chapter committee said the gesture reflects the NWU’s ongoing commitment to education beyond its campuses. “This is about planting seeds of hope. We believe in nurturing talent from all corners of society, and this is one of the ways we give back to the communities that raised us.”

For the learners at Naledi Senior Secondary School, the pencil cases are more than supplies. They are reminders that someone is paying attention, that even from across a border, alumni still walk beside them, one equation, one exam and one future at a time.

Members of the NWU Botswana Alumni Chapter hand over mathematics sets, pens, and pencils to learners and a teacher as part of a corporate social responsibility project aimed at supporting academic excellence in schools.

Alumnus appointed CEO of Boxing South Africa

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:04:10 +0000

Alumnus appointed CEO of Boxing South Africa

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/18/2025 - 14:04

North-West University (NWU) alumnus Tsholofelo Lejaka has entered the ring as Boxing South Africa’s (BSA’s) new chief executive officer.

Tsholofelo previously served as BSA CEO from 2016 to 2020, and he returned to the organisation in September 2024 as acting accounting officer. His appointment, effective 17 June 2025, follows a comprehensive recruitment process initiated in January 2025 to restore stability within the organisation.

He says his leadership priorities include rebuilding trust in the sport, engaging stakeholders and sponsors, and implementing resolutions from the 2025 Boxing Convention.

“My return to BSA comes at a time when the organisation faces ongoing governance and financial challenges, and I am determined to overcome these challenges.”

More about Tsholofelo’s journey

Tsholofelo obtained his BA degree in fine art from the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus in 1997. During his time at university, he was involved in student leadership and served on the Student Representative Council.

Following his studies, Lejaka pursued a career focused on public service and youth development. He served as CEO of the Free State Youth Commission, where he worked closely with young people and grassroots organisations across the province.

These experiences shaped his belief in the potential of sport, particularly boxing, as a tool for youth empowerment and social transformation.

NWU alumnus Tsholofelo Lejaka has been appointed CEO of Boxing South Africa.

Alumnus excels as senior political reporter

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:58:12 +0000

Alumnus excels as senior political reporter

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/18/2025 - 08:58

Never underestimate the value of actively participating in student activities while studying. Ntlantla Lucky Kgatlhane, now a senior political reporter at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), is testament to that. He started out at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus radio station, writing for the campus newspaper and generating content for the university’s website.

“I would never choose any other university because for me, the NWU is where it all started, where I built the foundation of my career,” he says.

Ntlantla completed his BA and honours degrees in communication from 2008 to 2012 at the NWU, followed by a master’s degree – also in communication – in 2023. He says he made many friends and learnt valuable lessons during this time. “I am grateful for what the NWU instilled in me; hence I always encourage learners to pursue their studies at the NWU after matriculating.

For his master’s research, he investigated the nature of participatory communication in ward meetings of the Jouberton township in the Matlosana Municipality in the North West Province.

Ntlantla, who currently works as a senior political reporter for radio and television at the SABC, was recruited while working at the campus radio station and the Album student newspaper.

Now, with 10 years’ experience in news and political reporting, his daily duties include attending and covering political functions for radio, TV and social media, interviewing sources and keeping track of political developments on credible news websites and social media platforms.

“I particularly enjoy covering news related to the President and senior political leaders from the governing party and other political formations,” Ntlantla says.

Ntlantla also believes in giving back to his alma mater and challenges his fellow alumni to make time in their busy schedules to be part of the NWU’s alumni programmes. “By giving back and sharing our expertise, we can help current students to realise their dreams.”

Ntlantla Lucky Kgatlhane interviews former President Thabo Mbeki.

Work with artificial intelligence but don’t fear it, says expert

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:55:02 +0000

Work with artificial intelligence but don’t fear it, says expert

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/18/2025 - 08:55

What happens when students begin to wonder if universities are still necessary? This was one of the questions posed by the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Prof Anné Verhoef during a talk for postgraduate students on artificial intelligence (AI).

“AI is changing everything,” said Prof Verhoef, director of the NWU AI Hub and a professor of philosophy. “It is not just about technology. It forces us to ask what makes us human and what skills will matter in the future.”

Organised by the NWU Alumni Office, the event took place on 22 May at the Mahikeng Campus and focused on how AI is reshaping the future of learning, research and work.

Prof Verhoef used the platform to challenge assumptions about the role of higher education in an AI-driven world.

He outlined how AI is now capable of producing text, images, videos and even reasoning through complex problems, and gave examples of how AI is applied in medicine, psychology, engineering and theology, raising questions about the future of human expertise.

“Jobs are disappearing. Others are being created. The key issue is not to fear AI but to work with it,” he said.

Free online course for students now available

To support this transition, the NWU has developed a free online course titled AI for Academic and Career Success. The course is open to all registered students and covers the basics of AI tools, their ethical use and career planning.

The course is designed to promote responsible AI use, Prof Verhoef said. Students will receive a certificate and a career plan once they complete it.

NWU Convocation President Tutu Kgobane encouraged postgraduate students to remain engaged with the university through the Convocation.

“Convocation is the voice of alumni in university matters,” he said at the event. “It is necessary to join because it keeps you connected and informed, and gives you a say in the future of the institution you studied at.”

The NWU AI Hub continues to lead the university’s efforts in promoting ethical, inclusive and practical use of AI through training, policy and academic programmes.

From left are Hloni Putsoane, Prof Anné Verhoef, Relebogile Sekati and Keabetswe Gopane.

NWU alumnus finds footing in pro football as Durban City FC’s conditioning coach

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:36:57 +0000

NWU alumnus finds footing in pro football as Durban City FC’s conditioning coach

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/12/2025 - 08:36

A former NWU Soccer Institute player, Michael Radebe has made the transition from the pitch to the training room, now serving as strength and conditioning coach at Durban City Football Club. The club was recently promoted to the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL).

“Studying sport science at NWU laid a good foundation for my current role,” says Radebe. “The sports science programme helped with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in programme designing and player monitoring, which is one of the critical factors in conditioning.”

At Durban City FC, he is responsible for planning and delivering strength and conditioning sessions, implementing injury prevention strategies, conducting fitness testing, and monitoring player load and recovery. He collaborates with both the medical and technical teams to ensure players are physically prepared for their training and match demands.

“My contribution lies in ensuring players remain at optimal fitness levels throughout the season, minimising injury risk and improving physical performance,” he says. “I must ensure that every registered player in the team is fit, fresh and available for the selection of the team every week.”

He credits both the NWU’s academic setup and his time as a player for shaping his approach as the club’s conditioning coach. “The exposure to real-life performance environments gave me a solid understanding of how to apply classroom principles in the field.”

His background as a former player has helped bridge the gap between athlete and coach. “I can understand the players’ behavioural patterns and pressure relating to performance,” he says. “This assists me in designing sessions that are scientifically sound, practical and beneficial.”

Communication and discipline, he adds, are values he carries over from his playing days. “It helps me create a culture where athletes feel heard, understood, and pushed to their highest potential.”

Durban City FC’s promotion to the PSL marks a new chapter for the club. For Radebe, it also marks a new level of responsibility, one he says he is equipped to handle, both in the classroom and on the field.

Michael Radebe is now serving as strength and conditioning coach at Durban City Football Club.

What Google Maps and churches have in common when it comes to lifelong learning

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 10:02:06 +0000

What Google Maps and churches have in common when it comes to lifelong learning BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 06/06/2025 - 12:02

By:Mafumane Tlhapi and Phenyo Mokgothu

The offline mode of Google Maps became more than a navigation tool when Pastor Piet Tlhabanyane, from Bethesda Kingdom Ministries (BKM), an NWU alumnus and a Council member, used it to explain the risks of outdated knowledge in church leadership.

“Without regular updates, even a tool as reliable as Google Maps leads you the wrong way. It’s the same with scripture. If we stop learning, we start misguiding,” said Pastor Tlhabanyane.

The NWU Faculty of Theology, in collaboration with the Alumni Office at the Mahikeng Campus, hosted the Alumni Guest Lecture on 29 May at the Protea Hotel in Mahikeng under the theme “The importance of lifelong learning for pastors and community leaders in changing times.”

Accuracy comes from constant study

Referring to 2 Timothy 2:15, Pastor Tlhabanyane explained the importance of correctly explaining the word of truth: “We must be accurate, and accuracy comes from continuous study.”

He stressed the need to simplify theological concepts. “Your message must be digestible. If no one understands you, your preaching serves no purpose.”

Addressing the challenges of a changing church environment, Pastor Tlhabanyane noted that the profile of congregants is different from a decade ago. He shared the story of a colleague who struggled to connect with a congregation that could no longer relate to English hymns.

“You must learn the language of the people, literally and culturally,” he said. “Ignoring the change doesn’t stop it.”

Churches face real-world issues

Pastor Tlhabanyane said the role of academia in ministry is not optional. “Theology doesn’t stand alone. It requires tools from other disciplines. We can’t avoid the real-world issues that walk into our churches.”

He referred to a church in India that had to adapt its message to a context filled with multiple deities. “We can’t use one-size-fits-all theology. Context matters.”

Practical ministry, he said, must meet the needs of the entire person. “We minister to minds, bodies, and spirits. And that means going beyond traditional methods.”

Lifelong learning, according to Pastor Tlhabanyane, is also tied to personal and professional development. “Learning keeps your curiosity alive. It keeps you teaching. It keeps you asking better questions.”

As ministry roles evolve, he noted the importance of adjusting accordingly. “You’re no longer just preaching. You’re managing, counselling, sometimes even troubleshooting tech.”

He pointed to AI as an emerging tool. “I used it to help write a proposal,” he said. “We must learn to work with it instead of fearing it.”

He also addressed the value of understanding different theological branches. “You can’t serve a diverse congregation with a single lens. You must know the full field.”

In his closing remarks, Pastor Tlhabanyane urged all pastors and community leaders to stay committed to learning. “You don’t need to know everything. But you do need to keep learning something.”

Guest lecture highlights shifting roles and responsibilities in modern ministry.

Horizon Residence hosts an inspiring Alumni Business Venture and Graduation event

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 06:36:05 +0000

Horizon Residence hosts an inspiring Alumni Business Venture and Graduation event

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 06/03/2025 - 08:36

The Horizon Residence, specifically allocated to postgraduate students on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus, recently hosted a memorable Alumni Business Venture and Graduation event that brought together a dynamic mix of graduates, alumni and aspiring entrepreneurs for an evening of inspiration, celebration and meaningful connections.

Held at Verries Hall, the event celebrated the academic achievements of recent graduates, while shining a spotlight on alumni-led entrepreneurial ventures. More than just a ceremony, the gathering was a vibrant platform to promote responsible and informed entrepreneurship, peer mentorship and lifelong networking.

The primary goal of the event was to honour the hard work and success of graduating students, while also fostering collaboration among NWU alumni. Highlights of the evening included compelling keynote addresses by successful NWU alumni who are now leaders in their respective industries.

Among them were Kamohelo Zwane, president of the Student Representative Council, Dr Onnicah Motloung, a lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, Mr Moeketsi, campus representative of Enactus, and Mr Mosia, a rising entrepreneur, each of whom shared personal insights into the challenges and triumphs of life beyond the university.

In a particularly memorable moment, the room came alive when graduates spontaneously joined together in a joyful dance, symbolising unity and shared accomplishment. Another key highlight was the structured networking session, during which participants eagerly exchanged contacts, stories and potential ideas for collaboration.

Two promising alumni ventures were showcased at the event, representing the IT and academic sectors. These presentations not only inspired but also sparked discussions around sustainable business models and innovation in South Africa’s evolving economic landscape. Several alumni expressed interest in forming a support group aimed at helping recent graduates to transition successfully into professional life.

Ujeet Maharaj, prosecutor, head of Student Discipline and house parent at Horizon Residence, said the feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. “Many students and staff members praised the professional yet intimate atmosphere of the event, the relevance of the topics discussed, and the opportunities it created for both personal and professional growth.”

He added that the event has already led to the formation of new connections, mentorship opportunities and even preliminary talks of future collaborations.

“The NWU has committed to tracking the progress of the featured ventures and spotlighting them through its alumni platforms as part of a broader initiative to support postgraduate success. Special recognition goes to the organising team of the event, Ona, Justin, Mandisa and Pearl, whose exceptional teamwork and enthusiasm were instrumental in delivering a flawless and impactful event,” said Ujeet.

Alumni are encouraged to stay involved through the NWU Alumni Network by mentoring graduates, sponsoring future events, or sharing resources to support future graduates. The success of this event is a powerful reminder that when communities come together with purpose and passion, the results are transformational.

Political stability seen as is key to boosting southern African trade

MARELIZE SANTANA — Wed, 28 May 2025 06:33:48 +0000

Political stability seen as is key to boosting southern African trade

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Wed, 05/28/2025 - 08:33

South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini need to work towards stabilising their political environments and improving governance to create a better climate for business and trade.

“Political stability is crucial for trade,” says Dr Mpho Lenoke, recent PhD graduate and a lecturer in the subject group Economics at the North-West University (NWU). “When governments prioritise stability, they make room for economic growth.”

He set out to understand how political conditions shape trade in southern Africa in a study titled “An econometric approach of a country’s political state on trade openness in South African Customs Union countries”.

“In South Africa, political stability seems to encourage more trade activities, while in Lesotho and Eswatini, political turbulence appeared to hold back economic exchange,” Dr Lenoke said.

For his analysis, which used data from 1996 to 2022, he employed advanced econometric models, including the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and panel-ARDL methods.

“In Lesotho and Eswatini, political challenges are linked to less openness to trade,” he said.

In contrast, political stability in South Africa was directly correlated with trade openness.

The study also highlighted the roles of inflation and population in influencing trade patterns across the three nations. In South Africa, for example, stable governance and inflation control were found to support trade growth.

Dr Lenoke’s findings point to a path forward for southern Africa: strengthen political institutions, align economic policies and boost cooperation within the region. For policymakers, his study serves as a reminder that political stability is not just about governance; it is a foundation for economic progress.

Dr Mpho Lenoke recently graduated with a PhD in economics.