Awards and accolades https://news.nwu.ac.za/ en Writing is not on the wall for SA journalism https://news.nwu.ac.za/writing-not-wall-sa-journalism <span>Writing is not on the wall for SA journalism </span> <div class="field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">by <a href="https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Bertie">Bertie Jacobs</a></div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/32504" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">BELINDA BANTHAM</span></span> <span>Wed, 05/07/2025 - 14:43</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Newsrooms don’t look like they used to. Long gone are the days of smoke spiralling from ashtrays in crowded newsrooms, journalists furiously hammering away at keyboards and the sweet smell of drying ink as papers stream from rolling printing presses. It is a romantic, nostalgic image, one irrevocably changed by the digital age. But none of the magic of this essential profession is gone.</p> <p>This was evident once again at the National Press Club’s (NPC) 2024 Newsmaker and Journalist of the Year Awards, held in Pretoria on Friday 25 April, of which the North-West University (NWU) is the main sponsor.</p> <p>The Government of National Unity (GNU) was named the Newsmaker of the Year and there is no denying that the GNU hogged the limelight in 2024.</p> <p>The theme of the evening was ‘Storytelling at its best’ and according to Prof Daryl Balia, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Information Technology and Potchefstroom Campus, a phrase that may sound poetic but is in fact the lifeblood of our democratic society.</p> <p>“It is through storytelling that we understand who we are, where we come from, what we aspire to be and the challenges we face together. And it is through journalism, one of the most disciplined forms of storytelling, that this national narrative is written and rewritten every single second, minute, hour or day,” he said in his keynote address at the event.</p> <p>Prof Balia went on to say that the NWU’s investment in the NPC reflects its belief in rewarding journalistic excellence, as it aligns with the University’s core values and principles of transparency, engagement, transformation and impact.</p> <p>“We do this because we recognise that a strong, independent, and well-resourced media sector is a necessary counterpart to a thriving academic community. Universities have the tools of research, and the media have the tools of reach, and both must be guided by responsibility and purpose. The media plays a crucial role in determining the legitimacy of leadership, and it does so by shaping and influencing public opinion. Last year, South Africa once again demonstrated that we are a country where democracy thrives. Once again, we have shown that we can look beyond our differences and seek common goals. For this system to flourish as it has, we need accountability measures, and here we would like to applaud your steadfast approach to ensuring that honesty and transparency prevail in all aspects of society.”</p> <p>News 24’s Sikonathi Mantshantsha was named the National Press Club-North-West University (NWU) overall Journalist of the Year, while NWU graduate Brigadier Athlenda Mathe of the South African Police Service was named Spokesperson of the Year.</p> <p><strong>The other winners were:</strong></p> <p>Category 1 - Print/Online: News: Norman Masungwini - City Press</p> <p>Category 2 - Print/Online: Features/Investigative Journalism: Sikonathi Mantshantsha - New24 Investigations</p> <p>Category 3 - Print/Online: Photojournalist: Felix Dlangamandla - Daily Maverick</p> <p>Category 4 - Radio: News: Chanel September - Jacaranda FM</p> <p>Category 5 - Radio: Features: Chanel September - Jacaranda FM</p> <p>Category 6 - TV: News: Yusuf Abramjee eNCA</p> <p>Category 7 - TV: Features/In-Depth: Kate Berry - Carte Blanche</p> <p>Category 8 - TV: Cameraperson: Lee Saunders - The Devi Show, eTV &amp; eNCA</p> <p>Category 9 - Community News: Print/Online: Dimakatso Modipa - Tshwane Talks</p> <p><img alt="Prof Balia" class="img-responsive" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" id="" src="/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/DSC_4400.png" title="" /></p> <p>Prof Daryl Balia</p> </div> Wed, 07 May 2025 12:43:55 +0000 BELINDA BANTHAM 30798 at https://news.nwu.ac.za Alumnus earns top national honour for police communication https://news.nwu.ac.za/alumnus-earns-top-national-honour-police-communication <span>Alumnus earns top national honour for police communication</span> <div class="field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">by <a href="https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Phenyo">Phenyo Mokgothu</a></div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/32504" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">BELINDA BANTHAM</span></span> <span>Wed, 05/07/2025 - 08:32</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>North-West University (NWU) graduate Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has been named the 2024 Spokesperson of the Year by the National Press Club, recognising her work in national police communication during a year of major public events.</p> <p>The announcement was made during the National Press Club’s awards ceremony in Pretoria on 25 April 2025. Brigadier Mathe, spokesperson for the South African Police Service, was honoured for leading the police service’s public communication during events such as the 2024 national and provincial elections, the presidential inauguration, the opening of parliament and the illegal mining incident in Stilfontein.</p> <p>“It is an honour to be recognised in this way,” said Brigadier Mathe. “I dedicate this award to the men and women in blue who serve South Africans every day.”</p> <p>She added that her academic background helped to prepare her for a demanding career in public service. “The communication principles I learned at the NWU continue to guide me. The qualification I earned early in my career set me apart in job interviews and gave me a strong foundation.”</p> <p>Brigadier Mathe obtained her BAHons in communication at the NWU in 2013.</p> <p>Reflecting on her career, she encouraged students to prioritise education. “It really does pay off in the long run.”</p> <p>The NWU is one of the sponsors of the National Press Club awards held annually to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to communication in the public space.</p> <p><img alt="1" class="img-responsive" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" id="" src="/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/Brigadier%20Athlenda%20Mathe-STORY.png" title="" /></p> <p>Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has been named the 2024 Spokesperson of the Year by the National Press Club.</p> </div> Wed, 07 May 2025 06:32:51 +0000 BELINDA BANTHAM 30796 at https://news.nwu.ac.za ReneWable Rangers game earns academic nomination for South Africa’s ‘Science Oscars’ https://news.nwu.ac.za/renewable-rangers-game-earns-academic-nomination-south-africas-science-oscars <span> ReneWable Rangers game earns academic nomination for South Africa’s ‘Science Oscars’ </span> <div class="field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">by <a href="https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Phenyo">Phenyo Mokgothu</a></div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/32504" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">BELINDA BANTHAM</span></span> <span>Wed, 04/23/2025 - 13:29</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo, a senior lecturer in Natural Sciences Education at the North-West University (NWU) and a member of the Self-Directed Learning (SDL) Research Unit, has been nominated for the prestigious National Science and Technology Forum’s (NSTF)-South32 Awards.</p> <p>She has been nominated for the TW Kambule-NSTF Award in the Emerging Researcher category. This award celebrates emerging researchers who make significant impacts early in their careers.</p> <p>Recognised as South Africa’s “Science Oscars”, the NSTF-South32 Awards honour outstanding contributions to science, engineering, technology, and innovation.</p> <p>Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo’s nomination highlights her work on ReneWable Rangers, an educational digital game currently in its production phase, with assets and coding actively underway. Developed in collaboration with Prof Byron Bunt, deputy director of the School of Commerce and Social Studies in Education, and Dr Lance Bunt, senior lecturer in computer science and information systems, the project introduces children aged four to six to concepts of renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental responsibility through a culturally resonant, exploration-driven digital platform.</p> <p>Inspired by the experiences of her children, Wavhudi and Rivhavhudi, who faced early speech delays, Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo began exploring digital learning environments to support language development.</p> <p>This personal journey evolved into a research-led innovation grounded in self-directed learning (SDL) theory and culturally responsive pedagogy. The game adopts a pragmatic, convergent parallel mixed-methods research design to explore how SDL principles - such as independent exploration, critical thinking, and problem-solving - can deepen young learners’ understanding of renewable energy while fostering lifelong learning habits. </p> <p>Set across diverse South African landscapes, players journey through provinces to solve realistic energy challenges - with characters inspired by Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo’s children - promoting agency, representation and identity. Therefore, by weaving indigenous knowledge systems into the narrative, the game encourages environmental stewardship and pride in cultural heritage. </p> <p>Feedback from both Grade R learners and teachers further reinforces its classroom relevance and pedagogical impact. As an educational tool, ReneWable Rangers not only enhances sustainability education, but also cultivates the cognitive and socio-emotional skills essential for self-managed, intrinsically motivated learning in early childhood.</p> <p>Winners will be announced at the 27th NSTF-South32 Awards Gala that will take place on 31 July 2025 under the international theme of “Quantum Science and Technology”.</p> <p>The NWU community and the Self-Directed Learning Research Unit proudly support Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo, whose innovative work advances both national priorities in environmental education and the NWU’s commitment to fostering lifelong, self-directed learners.</p> <p><img alt="Moleboheng" class="img-responsive" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="839" id="" src="/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/UTF-8Dr%20Mokhele-Ramulumo-STORY.png" title="" width="630" /></p> <p>Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo.</p> </div> Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:29:35 +0000 BELINDA BANTHAM 30775 at https://news.nwu.ac.za Alumnus receives Hope Bearer Award for exceptional contribution to social work https://news.nwu.ac.za/alumnus-receives-hope-bearer-award-exceptional-contribution-social-work <span>Alumnus receives Hope Bearer Award for exceptional contribution to social work</span> <div class="field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">by <a href="https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Zeno">Zenoyise John</a></div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/163" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">RONEL ROSCHER</span></span> <span>Wed, 04/02/2025 - 14:07</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>In a moment that left both her and her colleagues in awe, Suanne de Bruyn, a North-West University (NWU) alumnus and dedicated social worker at Lerato Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC), was recently honoured with the esteemed Hope Bearer Award. This award celebrates her tireless commitment to improving the lives of children and families, especially those dealing with trauma and adversity.</p> <p>Suanne’s journey in social work is deeply personal. Having faced her own challenges and traumas as a young person, she discovered the power of empathy and support, leading her to pursue a career dedicated to helping others. Her personal experiences shaped her understanding of the importance of emotional healing and the value of having someone to listen, a foundation that has driven her work as a social worker.</p> <p>After graduating from the NWU in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in social work, Suanne immediately immersed herself in the field, gaining hands-on experience at various institutions. She has now spent seven years in the profession, continuously impacting the lives of children in need of care and support.</p> <p>The Hope Bearer Award, which De Bruyn received for her work in the Vaal Triangle and West Rand area, was especially meaningful given the emotional challenges she has faced in her career. "The award came at a point where I was questioning if I was doing enough for the children in the children’s home," she shared. A traumatic incident had left her feeling uncertain about the difference she was making, but the recognition reignited her passion and reminded her of the impact she has had on the children she serves.</p> <p>The moment Suanne found out she had won the award was one she will never forget. She had been invited to a radio interview where she was surprised with the announcement, which was made live. Overcome with emotion, she could barely speak as the realisation set in that her hard work and dedication had been recognised by her peers and the community.</p> <p>"Receiving this award was a turning point," she said. "It gave me the hope I needed to continue, to know that I am making a difference even on the tough days."</p> <p>Known for her unwavering passion, Suanne has always been lauded for the dedication and love she pours into her work. Her colleagues and the children at the CYCC have consistently praised her for her empathetic approach, whether she ’is working with children who have faced trauma, collaborating with other professionals, or supporting her fellow social workers. She believes that her passion for the work is what sets her apart as a social worker, and it is this very passion that has earned her this prestigious award.</p> <p>The Hope Bearer Award will have a profound impact not only on Suanne’s personal career but also on her future endeavours. The recognition has opened doors for her to collaborate with other organisations and professionals, providing greater opportunities to support the children she serves. In addition, she is now a public face of social work for the "ONS" shop, a community shop of Solidarity Helping Hand in Meyerton, a role that further amplifies the important work being done in the field.</p> <p>Looking forward, she hopes to continue broadening her knowledge and skills, with plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work. She is also committed to mentoring future social workers, especially students from the NWU, encouraging them to display the same passion, empathy, and creativity that have defined her own approach to the profession.</p> <p>As a mentor, her advice to young social workers and students is simple yet profound: "Social work is not easy, but the wins are forever. Even small positive changes can have a lasting impact on a child's life. Always do what you do with passion and for the love of social work."</p> <p><img alt="Suanne" class="img-responsive" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" id="" src="/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/files/Suanne-STORY.jpg" title="" /></p> <p>NWU alumnus Suanne de Bruyn was recently honoured with the esteemed Hope Bearer Award.</p> </div> Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:07:55 +0000 RONEL ROSCHER 30726 at https://news.nwu.ac.za Prof Jacques Petzer honoured as Best Examiner by SAPC https://news.nwu.ac.za/prof-jacques-petzer-honoured-best-examiner-sapc <span>Prof Jacques Petzer honoured as Best Examiner by SAPC </span> <div class="field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">by <a href="https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Steve">Steve Maphakathe</a></div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/32504" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">BELINDA BANTHAM</span></span> <span>Wed, 04/02/2025 - 09:41</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The North-West University (NWU) continues to shine in academic excellence as Prof Jacques Petzer, professor in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in the Faculty of Health Sciences, has been recognised as the Best Examiner in professional exams for 2024 by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC).</p> <p>This prestigious honour celebrates Prof Petzer’s dedication, expertise and years of contributing to ensuring high standards in professional pharmacy examinations. Having served as an examiner since 2012, Prof Petzer has played a key role in evaluating foreign-qualified pharmacists, ensuring they meet the standards required to practise in South Africa.</p> <p>“It has always been the goal to set a high-quality examination that evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply pharmaceutical knowledge rather than reproduce specific knowledge,” Prof Petzer said.</p> <p>“The main challenge is to set an exam that assesses the core concepts of pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry – of which a candidate should have a deep understanding, rather than specific textbook knowledge. Many candidates are practising pharmacists and have been exposed to pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry only during their undergraduate training.”</p> <p>Prof Petzer shared his surprise and gratitude at receiving the recognition, emphasising that it serves as motivation to continue his commitment to the field. “The accolade gives recognition for the numerous years that I have been involved with the professional examination, while also representing the privilege of being part of the task team,” he stated.</p> <p>Beyond assessing examinations, Prof Petzer works with a task team that is dedicated to maintaining and upholding professional pharmacy norms and standards. His expertise ensures that future pharmacists are well-prepared to serve communities with excellence.</p> <p>“The aim of the professional examination is to uphold acceptable norms and standards of pharmacy practice by evaluating the ability of pharmacists with foreign qualifications to apply pharmaceutical knowledge in the practice environment.”</p> <p>In accepting this honour, Prof Petzer says he is privileged to be a member of the NWU community. “The NWU has provided me with the opportunity to follow an academic career path and has greatly supported my research activities,” he concluded.</p> <p>As the NWU celebrates this outstanding achievement, the Faculty of Health Sciences continues to produce innovators in the field of pharmacy. With his award-winning contributions, Prof Petzer remains a pillar of academic excellence.</p> <p><img alt="1" class="img-responsive" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" id="" src="/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/Prof%20Jacques%20Petzer.jpeg" title="" /></p> <p>Prof Jacques Petzer is an active researcher in the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen ™) and his research interest focuses on the design of small molecule therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.</p> </div> Wed, 02 Apr 2025 07:41:57 +0000 BELINDA BANTHAM 30727 at https://news.nwu.ac.za Academic earns spot in global grant programme https://news.nwu.ac.za/academic-earns-spot-global-grant-programme <span>Academic earns spot in global grant programme</span> <div class="field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">by <a href="https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Phenyo">Phenyo Mokgothu</a></div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/32504" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">BELINDA BANTHAM</span></span> <span>Fri, 03/28/2025 - 13:33</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Articulating the social value of her research is a key priority for North-West University (NWU) researcher Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, who has been selected for a top global programme on cutting-edge grant-writing and related skills.</p> <p>Prof Babalola, director of the Food Security and Safety research niche area at the university, has been chosen for the 2025 Leaders of Africa Institute’s Grant Writing and Funding (GWF) Programme.</p> <p>The programme equips researchers with advanced grant-writing skills, stakeholder engagement strategies and resource mobilisation techniques. It builds on the Leaders of Africa Institute’s Research Methods Programme and supports the objective of fostering an international research community.</p> <p>Prof Babalola expressed her enthusiasm over her acceptance to the programme. “Since yesterday, I have been speechless. I can't wait to begin this journey. I am ready to mobilise resources for social impact.”</p> <p>She highlighted the support accompanying her selection. “The acceptance comes with a prestigious impact scholarship to support my training.”</p> <p>The GWF Programme focuses on identifying the cost of research and articulating its value to stakeholders and society. It is open to researchers, lecturers, graduate students, institutional administrators and social innovators worldwide.</p> <p>Prof Babalola leads the NWU’s Microbial Biotechnology subject group, which has produced 25 master’s and 35 PhD graduates. She also serves as vice president of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World, overseeing operations in 46 African countries.</p> <p>Her research focuses on rhizosphere microbiology and integrating beneficial microbiomes into agriculture. Her work supports food security efforts, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 of zero hunger.</p> <p>With more than 350 research outputs, Prof Babalola is making an impact on the scientific community and agricultural sustainability, and the grant will ensure she continues to do so.</p> <p><img alt="1" class="img-responsive" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" id="" src="/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/Babalola25-STORY.png" title="" /></p> <p>Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola</p> </div> Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:33:58 +0000 BELINDA BANTHAM 30705 at https://news.nwu.ac.za Advancing the circular economy: South Africa’s commitment to zero waste with Prof Linda Godfrey https://news.nwu.ac.za/advancing-circular-economy-south-africas-commitment-zero-waste-prof-linda-godfrey <span>Advancing the circular economy: South Africa’s commitment to zero waste with Prof Linda Godfrey </span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/32504" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">BELINDA BANTHAM</span></span> <span>Fri, 03/28/2025 - 08:34</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>On 30 March, the world observes the International Day of Zero Waste, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness and fostering global action towards waste reduction, sustainable resource management, and environmental preservation.</p> <p>South Africa is making progress in waste management, with experts such as Prof Linda Godfrey leading the charge in research and innovation within the waste sector.</p> <p>The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) highlights the remarkable, award-winning work of Prof Godfrey, whose research focuses on waste and circular economy science.</p> <p>She is the Manager: Circular Innovation SA, the Principal Scientist: Circular Economy, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and an extraordinary professor in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.</p> <p>Prof Godfrey received the prestigious 2024 NSTF-TIA Green Economy Award of the NSTF-South32 Awards, known as the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa.</p> <p><a href="https://comms.evlink9.net/public/messages/view-online/7WMXmuwM3xOBUVvP/cEHAJpz2JaF5LHiV/647d4d7d0390ea67">Read more here.</a></p> <p><img alt="Linda" class="img-responsive" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="712" id="" src="/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/Linda-STORY.jpg" title="" width="534" /></p> <p>Prof Linda Godfrey</p> </div> Fri, 28 Mar 2025 06:34:22 +0000 BELINDA BANTHAM 30697 at https://news.nwu.ac.za QS rankings place four NWU subject groups among the top globally https://news.nwu.ac.za/qs-rankings-place-four-nwu-subject-groups-among-top-globally <span>QS rankings place four NWU subject groups among the top globally</span> <div class="field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">by <a href="https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Willie">Willie du Plessis</a></div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/32504" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">BELINDA BANTHAM</span></span> <span>Fri, 03/14/2025 - 10:35</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The North-West University (NWU) continues to shine in international rankings. The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject place four of the NWU’s subject groups in the top 850 globally, with one of these featuring in the 301 to 350 ranking category. The subject groups are agriculture, environmental sciences, physics and medicine. QS published these rankings on 12 March 2025.</p> <p>Although the NWU does not have a medical school yet, it offers subjects that fall within the medicine category. It is envisaged that the NWU Medical School will enrol students from 2028.</p> <p>The 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject ranked the NWU in the 301 to 350 category for agriculture and forestry. This subject group also featured in the same category in 2024. Environmental sciences and physics are in the 501 to 550 and 551 to 600 categories respectively. QS placed the NWU’s medicine subject group in the 701 to 850 category.</p> <p>According to QS, this year’s QS World University Rankings by Subject are the rankings agency’s biggest yet, with more institutions ranked than ever before. In 2024, it included 1 559 institutions, ranked across 55 subjects in five broad subject areas. This year they added an additional 171 institutions.</p> <p>QS used five indicators to determine a place on the rankings table. These were academic reputation; employer reputation; citations per paper; the h-index (measuring the stability of the impact and quality of the work published by the institutions’ scientists and scholars); and the International Research Network (IRN) (measuring the efficiency of establishing stable research collaborations in all the broad subject areas).</p> <p>This is not the first time the NWU has excelled in the QS rankings. Since 2023 the NWU has consistently featured a subject in the top 400 ranking performance group.</p> <p>According to Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for Teaching and Learning, the subject group rankings are international acknowledgment of the great work the NWU’s academics and researchers are doing.</p> <p>To learn more about the NWU’s performance in the various international rankings, visit: <a href="https://www.nwu.ac.za/rankings">https://www.nwu.ac.za/rankings</a>, or to learn more about the QS World University Rankings by Subject, visit: <a href="https://www.topuniversities.com/subject-rankings">https://www.topuniversities.com/subject-rankings</a>.</p> </div> Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:35:33 +0000 BELINDA BANTHAM 30668 at https://news.nwu.ac.za NWU's Prof Conroy Cupido strikes a high note with a kykNET Fiesta win https://news.nwu.ac.za/nwus-prof-conroy-cupido-strikes-high-note-kyknet-fiesta-win <span>NWU&#039;s Prof Conroy Cupido strikes a high note with a kykNET Fiesta win</span> <div class="field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">by <a href="https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Belinda">Belinda Bantham</a></div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/32504" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">BELINDA BANTHAM</span></span> <span>Tue, 03/11/2025 - 15:02</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>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. <span data-huuid="10054187654742156784"><span>These awards are </span></span>a ceremony that recognizes excellence in the performing and creative arts in South Africa and are <span data-huuid="10054187654742157081"><span> presented to productions from the six largest Afrikaans arts festivals in the country</span></span> .Originally from Cape Town, Prof Cupido became the first South African to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in vocal performance and opera from the University of North Texas. Now the director of the North-West University (NWU) School of Music and Conservatory, his crowning moment came after musically directing a magnificent concert, Die Groot Finale (The Big Finale), at the Aardklop National Arts Festival.</p> <p>The concert, a dazzling showcase of mostly opera works, featured the finest opera students of the NWU, all under Prof Cupido’s impeccable guidance as conductor of the opera ensemble. The performance was a proud display of the sheer talent nurtured at the School of Music, and it was not just the students shining on stage. A team of exceptional staff members, including Prof Tinus Botha, Ms Magda de Vries, Dr Antoinette Olivier and Mr Thomas Erlank, lent their expertise, creating a genuinely collaborative masterpiece. And to top it all, legendary South African singer Coenie de Villiers served as the charismatic emcee for the evening.</p> <p>Though this was Prof Cupido’s third nomination, the victory marked his first win, and the celebrations have not stopped since. “We have been presenting concerts of an extremely high calibre for several years, so it is incredibly rewarding to have our efforts recognised on such a prestigious platform,” Prof Cupido shared, beaming with pride. “It really affirms the excellent teaching and learning that we offer at the School of Music.”</p> <p>Prof Cupido’s joy is shared by his colleagues, students and the entire NWU School of Music family. For them, this award not only celebrates a memorable concert but acknowledges the hard work, passion and extraordinary talent nurtured within the department. Over the years, the NWU’s singing students have soared, excelling in both national and international singing competitions. Many have gone on to pursue postgraduate studies at some of the world’s most prestigious music institutions, while others have carved out promising careers on international opera stages.</p> <p>Among the rising stars is Khayakhazi Madlala, who, after her stellar participation in Die Groot Finale, made her debut at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden in January 2025. Fellow Die Groot Finale performer Sisikelelwe Mngenela has also made impressive strides, joining Cape Town Opera as a young artist alongside Khayakhazi.</p> <p>“We have always prided ourselves on producing concerts of an exceptionally high standard,” Prof Cupido shared. “To have our students’ talents and our department’s efforts recognised in this way is both humbling and gratifying.” The NWU classical singing faculty comprises of Prof Cupido, Dr Antoinette Olivier, Ms Thembinkosi Magagula and Mr Thomas Erlank. Prof Tinus Botha, associate professor in piano, regularly collaborates with the opera ensemble contributing to their success.</p> <p>Beyond his academic and musical achievements, Prof Cupido is an NRF C-2 rated researcher, a director on the board of Cape Town Opera and chairs their strategy committee. He is also no stranger to recognition, having been awarded the Prestigious Award for Teaching Excellence from the NWU in 2013 and two Institutional Research Excellence Awards in 2017.</p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6"><img alt="Conroy Cupido" class="img-responsive" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" id="" src="/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/ea05021b-cf78-4e6f-9fbb-3a13a3ed2727_0.JPG" title="" /><p>In the pic from left to right: Joshwin Dyson (Best upcoming artist &amp; Best Actor); Alexa Strachan (Director of the  Aardklop National Arts Festival); Prof Conroy Cupido; Philip Rademeyer  (Best original text)</p> </div> <div class="col-sm-6"><img alt="conroy" class="img-responsive" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" id="" src="/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/783bbc49-84ae-41d5-9ca0-8878e4b9560d.JPG" title="" /><p>Prof Conroy Cupido.</p> </div> </div> <p> </p> </div> Tue, 11 Mar 2025 13:02:00 +0000 BELINDA BANTHAM 30658 at https://news.nwu.ac.za Student a top 10 finalist in Nedbank & Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition https://news.nwu.ac.za/student-top-10-finalist-nedbank-old-mutual-budget-speech-competition <span>Student a top 10 finalist in Nedbank &amp; Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition</span> <div class="field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item">by <a href="https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Angeline">Angeline Marokoane</a></div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/32504" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">BELINDA BANTHAM</span></span> <span>Wed, 02/19/2025 - 11:29</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>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 &amp; Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>The competition is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing economics-related studies at recognised South African institutions. It challenges participants to explore thought-provoking questions with real-world relevance, pushing them to apply their academic knowledge to pressing economic challenges.</p> <p>As an undergraduate finalist, Sizwe tackled the question: “Discuss the impact of public debt on government finances in developing economies, focusing on South Africa”.</p> <p>This topic required participants to analyse the complexities of public debt and its implications for economic stability, fiscal policy, and long-term growth in developing nations, particularly South Africa. Given the country’s ongoing economic challenges, Sizwe’s insights into sustainable debt management and financial policy would have been crucial in shaping discussions at the event.</p> <p>The finals are taking place from 17 to 20 February 2025, bringing together some of the country’s most promising economic scholars.</p> <p>Sizwe’s achievement in reaching the final round is a testament to his analytical abilities, dedication, and passion for economic problem-solving. His success highlights the importance of nurturing young economic thinkers who will play a key role in shaping South Africa’s financial future.</p> <p>As the nation grapples with economic uncertainties, students like Sizwe represent a new generation poised to contribute innovative solutions to national and global economic challenges.</p> <p><img alt="1" class="img-responsive" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="767" id="" src="/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/Sizwe-Mazibuko-STORY.jpg" title="" width="542" /></p> </div> Wed, 19 Feb 2025 09:29:22 +0000 BELINDA BANTHAM 30605 at https://news.nwu.ac.za