Awards and accolades

Mathew Moyo reappointed to the national library council

Dr Mathew Moyo, chief director for Library and Information Services at the North-West University (NWU), has been reappointed as a board member of the National Council for Library and Information Services (NCLIS).

“I am very honoured and grateful for this opportunity,” says Dr Moyo. “It is encouraging to see that one’s contribution to the sector is acknowledged at this level.”

The appointment, which runs for three years until May 2028, was made by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.

Submitted on Thu, 06/26/2025 - 14:22

North- West University professor joins Palladium Global Science Award jury

North-West University (NWU) is playing an important role in the newly launched Palladium Global Science Award, a major international initiative recognizing research in advanced palladium-based materials. With a substantial prize fund of $350,000, the award supports innovation in one of the most critical fields of materials science.

Professor Dmitri Bessarabov of NWU has been appointed to the international jury, joining a panel of renowned scientists tasked with evaluating submissions from researchers, startups and academic teams worldwide.

Submitted on Fri, 06/13/2025 - 12:09

Data-driven talent recognised at 2025 BMI Prestige Awards

Data is the new gold in the digital age and data-driven decision-making is widely used in sectors from banking and finance to the law and telecommunications.

The North-West University (NWU) Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics (CBMI), which is highly regarded across data-driven industries, hosted the 2025 Business Mathematics and Informatics (BMI) Prestige Awards to honour students whose academic performance and industry-focused research stood out across its BMI programme.

Submitted on Thu, 06/05/2025 - 15:11

A pioneer in nuclear medicine: Prof Mike receives honorary doctorate from the NWU

South Africa should invest more in nuclear research if it wishes to remain globally competitive and fulfil its responsibility to meet the diverse needs of its communities. This was Professor Machaba Michael “Mike” Sathekge’s message when he received his honorary doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Philosophiae Doctor, Honoris Causa) from the North-West University (NWU) on Wednesday 4 June.

Submitted on Wed, 06/04/2025 - 12:25

NWU climbs to top 4,1% of global universities

The implementation of the recently approved strategy of the North-West University (NWU) is starting to show positive results. The strategy – Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond – prioritises, among other things, internationalisation, partnerships and impact. Consequently, the NWU now ranks in the top 4,1% of universities worldwide. This is according to the 2025 edition of the outcome-based Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). The CWUR published the latest ranking on 2 June.

Submitted on Tue, 06/03/2025 - 10:36

Prof Sibusiso Chalufu appointed to CHE Reference Group on Transformation

Transformation in the South African higher education sector is essential to ensure inclusivity, equity, and relevance in our society. As the country grapples with pressing socio-economic issues, it is vital that universities reflect the diversity of their communities and address their needs. This is an extremely important task, one in which expertise and experience must play a pivotal role.

Prof Sibusiso Chalufu, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University’s Vanderbijlpark Campus, fits this bill and then some.

Submitted on Tue, 06/03/2025 - 09:01

NWU celebrates excellence and values in action

Living out core values is not just encouraged at the North-West University (NWU) – it is celebrated. On 22 May, the university hosted a recognition and rewards ceremony to acknowledge staff and students who embody the spirit and excellence of the NWU.

Now in their third year, the NWU Media and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) Recognition Awards acknowledge those who go above and beyond as ambassadors for the university. At this year’s event, held at the ANEW Resort Hunters Rest in Rustenburg, 13 exceptional individuals received awards across eight categories.

Submitted on Fri, 05/23/2025 - 07:34

Dr Tshepo Alex Malapane named the Most Influential Man in South Africa 2025 at prestigious Gold Reef City ceremony

Dr Tshepo Alex Malapane, an alumnus of the NWU, was honoured with the Most Influential Man in South Africa 2025 award in a powerful moment of national pride and reflection. This prestigious recognition was part of the 2025 Influential Men & Artes Awards, a landmark event celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to South African society. The awards ceremony, held at Gold Reef City on 27 April 2025, was organised and hosted by Big M Productions.

Submitted on Tue, 05/20/2025 - 09:25

Phenomenal Bradley and Elroy continue to soar

He did it again! On Sunday, 11 May, the Olympic superstar and proud North-West University (NWU) Eagle Bradley Nkoana was part of the South African 4x100 m relay team that won gold at the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China.

Nkoana, Akani Simbine, Bayanda Walaza and Sinesipho Dambile beat their opponents from the US, Canada and Japan to achieve a season's best time of 37.61 seconds.

Submitted on Fri, 05/16/2025 - 10:59

African historian Prof Toyin Falola receives honorary doctorate from the NWU

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

One of the world’s most-cited African scholars, Professor Toyin Falola, has received an honorary doctorate from the North-West University (NWU).

The degree was conferred on 9 May 2025 during a graduation ceremony held at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus. This recognition marks a significant milestone in the university’s relationship with the eminent historian, who delivered a public lecture recently humanities education for African futures.

Submitted on Fri, 05/09/2025 - 17:06