The North-West University (NWU) is positioning itself at the forefront of South Africa’s evolving mining landscape, with a strategic focus on critical minerals, smart mining technologies and sustainable sector development. Through the establishment and expansion of its School of Mines and Mining Engineering, the University is aligning its academic, research and partnership agenda with national and global priorities in mineral security, industrialisation and economic resilience.

A renewed sense of focus and institutional purpose marked the official opening of the 2026 academic year at the North-West University (NWU) on Friday, 13 February.

The ceremony, broadcast live from the Potchefstroom Campus to Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark, signalled not only the start of lectures and registrations, but also served as a reaffirmation of the commitment of the university to excellence, transformation and societal impact.

The inaugural 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings for the sub-Saharan Africa region place the North-West University (NWU) among the top seven institutions in the region.

The vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, is representing the university at the 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba, taking place from 9 to 12 February at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The North-West University (NWU) recently hosted the deputy minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, and officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), along with representatives from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), as part of a national assessment of the readiness of universities for the 2026 academic year.

Today, the North-West University (NWU) and JB Marks Local Municipality held a strategic engagement aimed at deepening cooperation and advancing shared developmental priorities within the municipal area.

The meeting, hosted at the NWU Potchefstroom Campus, brought together senior leadership from both institutions to reflect on existing collaborations and to chart a forward-looking programme of action that responds to the social and economic needs of local communities.

South Africa’s celebrated matric pass rates do not reflect the reality of a “leaking pipeline” that serves neither the country’s ailing economy nor the future prospects of matriculants.

At the centre of this dilemma is what might be called a pass-rate hostage crisis. Schools, under pressure to maintain high headline results, increasingly steer weaker learners away from gateway subjects, most notably Mathematics, to protect their overall performance figures.

The North-West University (NWU), a South African public higher education institution, whose policies and rules are governed in accordance with the supreme law of the country – the South African Constitution – has the responsibility and accountability to ensure access and success of students. 

As a public institution, the university recruits and admits qualifying students, regardless of their origin (village/township/town/region), race, religion, or gender.

The North-West University (NWU) conveys its deepest condolences to the families, teachers, classmates, and the basic education community affected by the recent scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark. This tragic event has robbed our country of potential and promise - innocent young lives cut short and dreams permanently shattered. 

When we think about anniversaries, 15 years is traditionally known as a crystal anniversary, and the symbolism of crystal is both beautiful and unique. Crystal represents clarity and transparency, reflecting the trust and openness that have grown over the years in a partnership. It also signifies care, strength and beauty, showing that even with its delicate nature, crystal is enduring, elegant, and able to last generations — just as we hope this collaboration will.