Awards and accolades

Faculty of Law secures NRF Tier 1 Research Chair in Cities, Law and Environmental Sustainability

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 08:02:47 +0000

Faculty of Law secures NRF Tier 1 Research Chair in Cities, Law and Environmental Sustainability

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 07/01/2025 - 10:02

A change in leadership has set a new course for one of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) most strategically positioned research chairs. The National Research Foundation (NRF) has officially upgraded the South African Research Chair in Cities, Law and Environmental Sustainability (CLES) to a Tier 1 position and appointed a new chairholder, Prof Oliver Fuo.

The CLES Chair, housed in the Faculty of Law, was initially established in 2018 as a Tier 2 Chair and led by Prof Anél du Plessis until her departure from the university in June 2023. Following an interim period and an appeal process, the NRF confirmed the Chair’s upgrade and new leadership. The decision followed the NRF’s review of the Chair’s first five-year cycle, which ended in November 2023.

“This appointment represents the continuation of a strategic investment in legal research that intersects with questions of urban development and environmental governance,” says Prof Henk Kloppers, acting executive dean of the Faculty of Law. “It builds on the foundation laid by Prof du Plessis and her team, and we remain committed to growing the impact and reach of the Chair in the coming years.”

Funding injection accompanies upgrade

With its new Tier 1 status, the Chair’s funding has nearly doubled. According to the NRF, Tier 1 Chairs are awarded to scholars who meet five key criteria, including national recognition as full professors, an established record of postgraduate supervision, and international leadership in their field.

Tier 1 Chairs may also benefit from NRF funding for up to 10 years, subject to satisfactory performance reviews.

As part of its new mandate, the CLES Chair will be required to scale up research activities, recruit additional postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers, and strengthen science engagement initiatives.

The Faculty of Law underscores the importance of the Chair in contributing to national legal discourse and developing future scholars. “This Chair remains a cornerstone of our long-term research strategy,” says Prof Kloppers. “It enables us to respond to pressing societal questions while training the next generation of legal academics.”

CLES is one of seven SARChI Chairs located in law faculties across the country. All are Tier 1 Chairs, with others based at the universities of the Witwatersrand, Cape Town, Western Cape, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Nelson Mandela. Some were upgraded from Tier 2, while others have since been phased out.

The Faculty of Law looks forward to implementing the research plan submitted to the NRF as part of the chair replacement application.

Prof Oliver Fuo is the new chairholder of the upgraded South African Research Chair in Cities, Law and Environmental Sustainability.

Mathew Moyo reappointed to the national library council

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:22:12 +0000

Mathew Moyo reappointed to the national library council

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/26/2025 - 14:22

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.

The NCLIS plays a central role in advising four different Ministries: Sport, Arts and Culture, Basic Education, Higher Education, and Science, Technology and Innovation. It provides guidance on national library and information service matters, promoting strategic leadership, literacy, a reading culture and open access to information.

Dr Moyo brings decades of experience in academic librarianship to the NCLIS, along with insight into the challenges facing the sector.

“One of the main concerns is that many schools still do not have functional libraries or trained librarians. The council continues to push for increased funding to address this issue,” he explains.

Within the NWU community, his reappointment is seen as a recognition of both his personal commitment and the university’s broader contribution to strengthening access to knowledge and information services in South Africa.

Dr Moyo’s continued presence on the NCLIS ensures that the academic voice remains part of national conversations around the future of libraries and information access.

Dr Mathew Moyo

North- West University professor joins Palladium Global Science Award jury

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:09:27 +0000

North- West University professor joins Palladium Global Science Award jury BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 06/13/2025 - 12:09

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.

Backed by strong institutional partnerships, including North-West University, Shanghai Metals Market, the MDX Research Center at the Institute of Science Tokyo and led by the China Precious Metals Industry Committee, the award promotes high-impact research with industrial and technological potential. NWU’s involvement underlines the university’s growing influence in global scientific collaboration and innovation

Prof Dmitri Bessarabov

Data-driven talent recognised at 2025 BMI Prestige Awards

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:11:44 +0000

Data-driven talent recognised at 2025 BMI Prestige Awards

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/05/2025 - 15:11

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.

Held on 9 May at the Kleinbosch venue in Potchefstroom, this year’s awards brought together students, faculty, alumni and industry sponsors to acknowledge achievements in actuarial science, quantitative risk management and business analytics. The event aimed to highlight the programme’s role in preparing students for data-driven decision-making in various sectors.

The awards focused on students’ ability to apply mathematical models and research to real-world industry challenges, and how they bridge theory and practice through industry-directed projects, research components and professional development.

The event was made possible through the continued sponsorship from and collaboration with leading companies such as Investec, Absa and data solutions provider SAS. These partnerships play a role in supporting the development of technical skills among students and advancing the impact of data science in financial and business environments.

As part of its ongoing investment in future professionals, the CBMI reaffirmed its commitment to producing graduates equipped for analytical roles across sectors that rely on quantitative insight.

2025 BMI prestige award winners

· Best first-year project: Wian Landman

· Best third-year BMI student – Vanderbijlpark Campus: Venuschka Kloppers

· Best third-year BMI student – Potchefstroom Campus: Magdalena Johanna Gonin

· Best BMI honours BA student: Zandile Gertrude Madondo · Best BMI honours Quantitative Risk Management (QRM) student: Leasha Louwrens

· Best BMI honours actuarial student: Martin Marius Landman

· Best industry-directed research project: Maroché Viljoen

· Best MSc BMI student: Johan Adam Rossouw

Congratulations to the 2025 BMI prestige award winners!

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

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:25:58 +0000

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

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/04/2025 - 12:25

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.

He emphasised that the wide-ranging benefits of nuclear research, in areas such as medical science, energy production, agriculture, food security and environmental sciences, should be regarded as a national priority.

And he would know. A towering figure at the forefront of nuclear medicine, Prof Sathekge’s career has reshaped the clinical and research landscape of cancer and infectious disease treatment in South Africa and beyond.

His contributions are both technical triumphs and deeply human victories.

Prof Sathekge was raised in Tembisa and later became a standout scholar in Soshanguve, where he achieved the best national results in mathematics. He trained as a medical doctor at Medunsa. He also earned his master’s degree there and began his career in nuclear medicine. A scholarship then took him to Belgium, where he obtained a PhD in molecular imaging in TB and HIV.

Upon returning home, he became Head of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Under his leadership, a number of firsts have been achieved, including pioneering the use of Selective Internal Radiation Therapy for liver cancer in South Africa, to introducing novel therapies for prostate and neuroendocrine cancers using Lutetium-177 and Actinium-225. His work with PSMA-targeted therapies has gained global recognition, putting South African oncology research at the forefront of international clinical trials.

As President of NuMeRI, he leads the continent’s only dedicated nuclear medicine research infrastructure, aligning science, health, and policy. A prolific academic and dedicated mentor, Sathekge has supervised dozens of postgraduate students and authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications.

Awards and widespread respect have been bestowed upon Sathekge, who exemplifies how locally rooted research can have a global impact. By fusing compassion with cutting-edge science, he has transformed South Africa’s nuclear medicine capabilities and, crucially, improved patient outcomes. He has also challenged conventional care norms, introducing novel radiopharmaceutical theranostics, while maintaining an ethos of healing and academic integrity. Through these efforts, he has changed the way cancer is approached and treated.

Prof Sathekge is married to Dr Rachel Sathekge, an orthodontist, and the couple has two sons.

The NWU’s honorary doctorate recognises not only his achievements, but also the future he continues to shape.

Professor Machaba Michael “Mike” Sathekge.

NWU climbs to top 4,1% of global universities

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 08:36:34 +0000

NWU climbs to top 4,1% of global universities

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 06/03/2025 - 10:36

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.

Moving up from its 4,2% showing in last year’s list, the NWU is now ranked 860th out of 21 462 universities for academic performance, and shines among the top seven locally and the top 11 in Africa. The NWU is making an impressive showing in the rankings with the 1 610th (1 682nd last year) and the 820th (825th) place for employability and research respectively, obtaining an overall score of 71,5. This is an improvement on last year’s overall score of 71,3.

This latest impressive showing in the rankings underscores the commitment of the NWU to being a leading university locally and internationally. The university’s strategy is bearing fruit as it strives to continuously effect impact through innovation and forward-looking approaches and programmes.

Recent key developments show that the university is growing and expanding significantly in various fields. These developments include the establishment of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, the NWU Centre for Sustainable Mining, the NWU Veterinary School and the university’s Agri- and Artificial Intelligence hubs. These strategic initiatives are geared at advancing the impact and growth of the NWU, while promoting diversity and reinforcing operational excellence.

The latest rankings are a clear indication that the NWU can, through its expertise and initiatives, hold its place among the best in the world. The NWU is already a significant international role player, with 163 active international institutional partnerships and agreements, spanning 50 countries.

These collaborations strengthen the university’s efforts in research and innovation, as well as in teaching and learning.

More about the CWUR rankings

The CWUR publishes the largest academic rankings of global universities. The rankings are unique in that objective indicators are used for all four key pillars underlying the methodology of the ranking, with no reliance on surveys and university data submission. They also place equal emphasis on student-related and faculty-related indicators.

The ranking agency uses seven objective and robust outcome-based indicators grouped into four areas to rank the world’s universities: education (25%), employability (25%), faculty (10%), and research (output, 10%; high-quality publications, 10%; influence, 10%; citations, 10%).

Dr Nadim Mahassen, president of the CWUR, says the agency is a leading consulting organisation providing policy advice, strategic insights and consulting services to governments and universities to improve educational and research outcomes.

“Our authoritative global university rankings are known for objectivity, transparency and consistency, and are trusted by students, academics, university administrators and governments from around the world.” For more information, visit the CWUR’s website at http://www.cwur.org.

Prof Sibusiso Chalufu appointed to CHE Reference Group on Transformation

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 07:01:00 +0000

Prof Sibusiso Chalufu appointed to CHE Reference Group on Transformation

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 06/03/2025 - 09:01

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.

He has been appointed by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) as a member of the Reference Group on Transformation.

“I am honoured by this appointment, and I am committed to giving my all as we continue to work together to build a more inclusive higher education environment. My appointment also reflects the NWU’s transformation journey, spearheaded by the NWU Council around three years ago. As Prof Crain Soudien, the former chair of the Ministerial Committee on Transformation in Public Higher Education, confirmed, we have done exceptional work in this regard as an institution, setting an example for others to follow,” says Prof Chalufu.

“At the NWU, we have demonstrated that transformation can foster access to quality education, develop future-ready graduates and strengthen research that addresses local and global issues. By committing to our transformation goals, we aim to ensure that our institution remains a dynamic space where innovation, critical thinking, and social responsibility can flourish. A transformed university environment encourages broader participation, particularly in leadership and curriculum development, ensuring that the academic agenda is shaped by multiple voices.”

The CHE cited Prof Chalufu’s research and scholarship track record on matters relevant to transformation in higher education as evidence of his suitability for this role. His responsibilities will include the critical development, monitoring, and evaluation of the CHE’s transformation framework.

Prof Sibusiso Chalufu

NWU celebrates excellence and values in action

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 23 May 2025 05:34:06 +0000

NWU celebrates excellence and values in action

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/23/2025 - 07:34

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.

For their contributions to building the image of the NWU both within the university community and in the broader public sphere, each recipient received a trophy and a cash prize.

They were nominated by their peers. Fellow staff and full-time students across all three NWU campuses submitted the names of those who had either featured in the media – whether in traditional outlets or on digital and social platforms – or had been observed consistently embodying the university’s values throughout 2024.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, vice-chancellor, said the NWU was honouring staff and students who have made kindness a strategy, who regularly go the extra mile and believe that doing good is not just an act, but a culture.

“Some of you uplifted your teams, quietly carrying the load when no one was watching. Others lent your voice, wit and wisdom to tell the NWU story to the world, leaving the university sparkling a little brighter – thanks to you.”

Instead of saying “That is not my job”, these heroes ask “How can I help?”, he said. “That is what would be called being extraordinary on an ordinary day.”

The special guest speaker at the event was Siphiwe Moyo, international keynote speaker, author and organisational development facilitator.

And the winners are …

Social Media Personality (for exceptional contributions towards the NWU’s public reputation on social media platforms) – Prof Kapil Moothi (staff member, Faculty of Engineering) and Okuhle Mdlamza (student).

Traditional Media Personality (for exceptional contributions in traditional media, including newspapers, television and radio) – shared by staff members Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane (Faculty of Health Sciences) and Prof Pierre-André Viviers (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences).

Exceptional Media Coverage (for an upsurge in media exposure during a period of seven to 14 days) – Dr Monray Edward Williams (staff member, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences).

Social Responsibility and Awareness Advocate (for contributions relating to social rights responsibility and awareness) – Prof Sanette Brits (Faculty of Health Sciences).

The Diversity and Transformation Advocate Award went to Prof Boitumelo Mmusinyane (Faculty of Law).

The NWU Silver Wings Award (for embodying the spirit and character of the university, its culture and identity) went to staff members Dr Kezell Klinck (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences), Angeline Marokoane (Corporate Relations and Marketing) and Rachel Masemola (Faculty of Education), and student Thendo Lucky Nemavhandu.

Dr Monray Edward Williams and Dr Kezell Klinck also shared the overall Ambassador Award.

Finally, Prof Carlos Bezuidenhout (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences) and Jim Molautsi (Student Life) received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award, a discretionary award by the vice-chancellor to a member of management who has made an exceptional contribution towards achieving the NWU’s strategy and values.

To watch a video of the event, visit: https://youtube.com/live/fOib9el9JfE?feature=share

Click here for pictures of the event.

The recipients of this year’s Media and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) Recognition Awards. From left are Dr Kezell Klinck, Prof Kapil Moothi, Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane, Angeline Marokoane, Prof Sanette Brits, Okuhle Mdlamza, Jim Molautsi, Prof Carlos Bezuidenhout and Rachel Masemola. In front are Dr Monray Williams, Thendo Lucky Nemavhandu, Prof Boitumelo Mmusinyane, and Prof Pierre-André Viviers.

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

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 20 May 2025 07:25:42 +0000

Dr Tshepo Alex Malapane named the Most Influential Man in South Africa 2025 at prestigious Gold Reef City ceremony BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 05/20/2025 - 09:25

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.

Dr Malapane's award highlights a career of courage and clarity of thought, and a deep commitment to national progress. Widely regarded as a transformative thought leader and strategist, he has become a commanding voice of reason on South Africa’s macroeconomic challenges, development priorities and institutional reform. In a country grappling with structural imbalances, rising unemployment and constrained public confidence, his insights have remained anchored in empirical data, strategic foresight and principled leadership.

With over a decade of influence across sectors, Dr Malapane has supported public and private entities in enterprise development, research commercialisation, institutional strategy and inclusive innovation. His work consistently reflects understanding of the interconnectedness between economic justice, transformation and social equity.

One of the hallmarks of Dr Malapane’s influence is his ability to unpack complex macroeconomic issues – from fiscal constraints and industrial productivity to regional development and public-private collaboration – with a level of clarity that resonates not just with academics and policymakers but also with community leaders and business innovators. His ability to communicate complex truths while offering constructive, implementable solutions has made him a trusted contributor in national dialogues, media platforms and academic forums.

Dr Malapane is also widely recognised for championing Africa-centred developmental economics. He calls for context-driven policy design, reduced dependency on external frameworks and stronger regional economic integration. His work continues to shape how institutions think about sustainability, innovation and the role of leadership in unlocking Africa’s potential.

Colleagues, scholars and civic leaders have lauded Dr Malapane as a “strategic nation-builder”, a torchbearer of hope who combines intellectual depth with practical foresight. His influence transcends titles – it lies in his rare ability to bridge vision and action and inspire a generation to lead with integrity, purpose and clarity.

Receiving the Most Influential Man in South Africa 2025 award is more than a personal honour, it is a reaffirmation of the kind of leadership South Africa urgently needs. As the country navigates global shifts and domestic transformation, the voice and leadership of Dr Tshepo Alex Malapane remain both timely and essential.

Dr Tshepo Alex Malapane was honoured with the Most Influential Man in South Africa 2025 award.

Phenomenal Bradley and Elroy continue to soar

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 16 May 2025 08:59:46 +0000

Phenomenal Bradley and Elroy continue to soar

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/16/2025 - 10:59

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.

Nkoana, who studies Sports Science at the NWU, together with Simbine and Walaza, is no stranger to the relay podium, having also bagged silver in the 4x100 m finals at the 2024 Olympic Games in France.

Splendid, just splendid.

Also on Sunday 27 April, NWU staff member Elroy Gelant shattered the South African marathon record at the Hamburg Marathon, showing that father time has no hold on him. Gelant crossed the finish line in 2:05:36. In doing so, he beat Gert Thys’ 26-ear-old South African record by 57 seconds.

Considering Gelant’s late switch to competitive marathon running, this is a remarkable achievement.

His marathon times continue to improve, so the best may still be to come for this veteran runner.