By Gosego Phutieagae and Mafumane Tlhapi

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Education hosted a special celebration to honour its most productive researchers and dedicated community engagement practitioners.

The event recognised excellence across a range of areas, including research publications, postgraduate supervision, the securing of external funding and meaningful community-based projects.

Thabo Rakuba, a 27-year-old Master’s student at the North-West University’s Potchefstroom Campus, recently represented South Africa as a delegate at the BRICS Research Institute Debate, hosted by the Durban University of Technology.

North-West University (NWU) student Chrismarie Grundlingh has been selected as one of the “10 of the Finest” GradStar achievers for 2025, placing her among the country’s top emerging leaders recognised for workplace readiness and leadership potential.

From the outset, Prof. Julialet Rens, a professor in the Faculty of Education at the North-West University (NWU), grounded her narrative in gratitude, drawing on Psalm 16:6 and acknowledging the “beautiful inheritance” she believes she has received – an inheritance of opportunity, guidance and the ability to contribute meaningfully to others. This reflection set the tone for a heartfelt and inspiring inaugural lecture delivered on 18 November 2025. 

Student radio talent stood tall at the 2025 North West Media Awards, where NWU FM, the radio station of the North-West University (NWU), won major categories and reaffirmed its status as one of the province’s leading community radio stations.

From best station to top presenter, producer, programme and social media influencer, the student-driven team collected top honours across the board.
The station walked away with the prestigious Community Radio Station of the Year award, cementing its influence within the North West’s competitive broadcasting space.

“Leadership is not a title, but a responsibility, and I am honoured to carry it forward.” 
These words capture the heart of the moment as the North-West University (NWU) celebrates the election of Mario Chauque as the new president-elect of the South African Association for Counselling and Development in Higher Education (SAACDHE) for the 2025 to 2027 term. 

Mario’s journey has been built on consistency, compassion and a deep commitment to student development, making this national recognition both fitting and inspiring.  

The North-West University (NWU) is the headline sponsor of the 2025 North West Media Awards. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the university to support media development, ethical journalism and professional growth in the province.

The partnership reinforces the commitment of the NWU to fostering collaboration between academia, the media industry, government and the private sector.

The Faculty of Health Sciences held its annual Research and Innovation Awards on 12 November 2025, recognising outstanding academic and research excellence across various disciplines. The event acknowledged researchers and research bodies that have made exceptional contributions to innovation, impact and scholarship at the North-West University (NWU).

This annual event has become a highlight on the faculty calendar – a moment to acknowledge the dedication, collaboration and perseverance driving health sciences research that matters.

Recognising exceptional achievements

Every weekday, the airwaves across the North-West University (NWU’s) campuses tell a story. Stories of student voices rising, the laughter shared between lectures, the pride in sports, heart-to-heart conversations, and the music of campus life.

PUKfm (93.6) and NWU FM (105.5) have both been nominated in five categories of the 2025 Telkom Radio Awards, demonstrating that NWU’s talent should not be underestimated. For campus radio stations, being recognised alongside top commercial and community stations is a powerful affirmation of the growing influence of youth-led media.