The nuclear debate has raged for more than three quarters of a century. Proponents of nuclear power continue to extol its virtues, while its detractors remain steadfast in their belief that its risks outweigh its benefits. Renowned nuclear energy expert and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Dr Bismark Tyobeka, was recently nominated to serve as South Africa’s representative on the Senior Industry Advisory Panel (SIAP) of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF).

Dr Tyobeka gives his thoughts on what the future holds for nuclear energy.

On Wednesday, 7 September, the North-West University (NWU) recognised two outstanding individuals for their grit, determination and perseverance during the 2022 Comrades Marathon. This took place during an event at which outgoing Council members were honoured for their contribution and services to the NWU. 

The North-West University (NWU) welcomes its newly elected Student Representative Council (SRC) that officially took office on 6 September.

The incumbent SRC will serve for a period of one year under the leadership of the SRC president, Yikumba Andreas, a graduate in Management Sciences and Marketing Management, and a current bachelor’s degree student in Economic Sciences with Economics and Risk Management.

The inauguration of Dr Bismark Tyobeka as the third vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) is the start of an exciting new journey for the university.

Dr Tyobeka, who started his five-year term as principal and vice-chancellor on 1 June 2022, was officially inaugurated on 26 August during a prestige event at the Feather Hill Hotel and Venue in Potchefstroom.

Dr Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), has been nominated to replace Dr Trevor Dudley as South-Africa’s representative on the Senior Industry Advisory Panel (SIAP) of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF). This forum was created in 2001 as an international body to develop research necessary to ensure the deployment of fourth-generation nuclear systems by 2030.

Dr Bismark, how does it feel to be nominated to serve on the SIAP of the GIF?

The Business School of the North-West University (NWU) proudly launched its first formal African outreach initiative on 11 August in Gaborone, Botswana. Some 80 delegates from the Botswana government, the formal business sector and staff from various universities attended this glamorous event. The first Business School alumni chapter was also formally launched during the function.

North-West University’s principal and vice-chancellor, Dr Bismark Tyobeka, has been invited by prominent global leaders in nuclear affairs to be a panelist in an international webinar on the role of nuclear and radiology safety in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.

The North-West University (NWU) Council is proud to announce the appointment of alumnus Dr Bismark Tyobeka as its new principal and vice-chancellor.

Dr Tyobeka who is recognised as one of the leading nuclear power experts in the world, will steer the NWU for the next five years, commencing on 1 June 2022. He follows in the footsteps of Prof Dan Kgwadi who left the employment of the NWU at the end of January 2022.