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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.