Prof Conroy Cupido’s musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and his latest triumph at the kykNET Fiesta awards – often dubbed the "Oscars" of South Africa's arts festivals – in 2025 is another feather in his already illustrious cap.

Sizwe Mazibuko, a second-year BSc Quantitative Risk Management student at the North-West University (NWU), has been named a top 10 finalist in the prestigious 53rd Nedbank & Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition.

This competition serves as a platform for the brightest economic minds in South Africa to engage with critical financial issues, fostering solutions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

There is much for Lihle Sindaku, a North-West University (NWU) MSc Agriculture student, to crow about after her selection to an international poultry programme that bridges academic study and industry insights.

Understanding the complexities of poultry production requires both research and industry exposure, which the 2025 World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA) Youth Programme provides. Taking place in Pretoria from 2 to 7 March 2025, the programme runs alongside the 41st Scientific Symposium of the South African Branch of WPSA.

The Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) has been awarded the prestigious Diamond Arrow Award for the 14th consecutive time at the annual PMR.africa Awards.

Awards are presented in four categories: bronze, silver, gold and diamond, with the Diamond Arrow Award representing the highest distinction in the higher education field.

The NWU has been rated as the best higher education institution in the Sedibeng district, which includes the municipalities of Emfuleni, Lesedi and Midvaal.

When people hear the word “accounting”, they often think of numbers, spreadsheets and meticulous financial records. But in a country like South Africa, accounting is far more than just balancing the books – it is a cornerstone of economic growth and stability. At the North-West University (NWU) we are committed to developing well-rounded, skilled professionals who prioritise accountability. And the results speak for themselves.

Three rankings confirm that the North-West University (NWU) is an institution that shines not only locally but also internationally, and can stand tall among some of the world’s greatest universities.

Students can be assured that when they decide on the NWU as their preferred choice for higher education, they also choose a university that is not only known for excellence but is making an impact in addressing pressing issues in Africa.

We would like to extend our hearty congratulations to Prof Jan Steenekamp and Prof Jacques Petzer, who recently received awards as “Best Moderator” and “Best Examiner” respectively from the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) at the SAPC Examiners/Moderators Lekgotla. The SAPC is a collective of experienced pharmacy professionals, educators and professionals from other key professions.

The Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI) at the North-West University (NWU) has once again showcased the outstanding calibre of its postgraduate students at the Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene (SAIOH) Annual Conference 2024. This prestigious event, which was recently held in Gaborone, Botswana, gathers top talent and professionals in occupational hygiene and rewarded three NWU students for their excellence in research, publications and presentations: Monica Young, Marelizé van Ree, and Nadia Botha.

He has found a home away from home. Prof Paul Smit, associate professor for Labour Relations Management at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West (NWU), has been elected to Life Membership of Clare Hall, University of Cambridge, during their most recently held governing body meeting.

Clare Hall is a college for advanced study at the University of Cambridge.

Smit has an extensive collaborative history with the United Kingdom based university, having been a visiting fellow with Clare Hall earlier in the year.

Nuclear technology is a powerful instrument, and research has shown that it can have a significant impact on disease prevention and treatment. An extraordinary professor at the North-West University (NWU) and specialist in nuclear technology – in radiochemistry in particular – is one of 44 leading scholars and scientists to be inaugurated as new members of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).