According to North-West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor Prof. Bismark Tyobeka higher education institutions have a role to play in supporting governance reform at local municipalities - many of which are in disarray.

“Universities can contribute to the rehabilitation of local government through research, skills development and evidence-based policy input,” he said during a public lecture by Dr Ben Bole, head of the Department for North West Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) on13 April.

Siviwe Tyobeka steps onto the stage at the Sanlam Auditorium. She walks with calm confidence, but behind it is a journey filled with effort and growth.

Today, that journey shows. At the centre stage, her father and principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, is seated. But at that very moment, he is simply a proud father watching his daughter reach yet another milestone as she receives her BSc honours degree in biochemistry.

The nuclear sector remains an important economic growth driver that can support job creation, skills development and industrial expansion in South Africa, according to North-West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka.

Speaking at the NWU Nuclear Alumni Engagement held on 19 March 2026 in Sandton, Prof .Tyobeka said nuclear development should be viewed as part of the country’s broader economic strategy as the sector contributes to electricity generation, research, manufacturing and specialised training.

The role of nuclear science in energy security, skills development and national partnerships took centre stage when the North-West University (NWU) hosted its Nuclear Alumni Engagement in Sandton, bringing together graduates, industry leaders, government representatives and academics to strengthen collaboration in the sector.

Sunflowers stretching towards the sky and rows of green maize plants swaying in the breeze set the tone for a day rooted in growth, learning and possibility at Pienaarskamp Farm.

Just a day earlier, the farm had already made an impression. Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), had taken members of the NWU Council on a tour of Pienaarskamp. They left inspired by what they saw, a space where vision is not only imagined, but actively lived out.

The North-West University (NWU) reaffirmed its commitment to internationalisation on 23 March 2026 by engaging in high-level discussions with the National University of Science and Technology MISIS in Moscow, aiming to expand its global academic and research footprint.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and universities are central to solving South Africa’s skills crisis, bridging the gap between practical training and academic knowledge to drive economic growth.

It is within this context that the North-West University (NWU) and Vuselela TVET College held high-level talks on 23 March 2026, setting the stage for a strategic partnership aimed at reshaping skills development, strengthening research collaboration and expanding socio-economic impact.

The principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, recently participated in the Nuclear Forum at the Africa Energy Indaba, one of the premier platforms on the continent for dialogue on energy security, policy and innovation.

The Africa Energy Indaba brings together policymakers, energy experts, academics and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on sustainable energy solutions that can drive economic development while addressing the growing energy demands of the continent.

Koeberg’s latest milestone shows why nuclear power remains central to South Africa’s energy future.

Koeberg’s performance suggests Eskom may be rebuilding the public confidence it once lost.

As the only operational nuclear plant in Africa, Koeberg continues to anchor the continent’s nuclear energy ambitions.