This week a delegation from the NWU will leave for the shores of the United States to visit North Carolina State University (NCSU).

We do so during a time of great tension between our two countries. We cannot look past that. The relationship between the US and South Africa is strained, but we cannot let that derail us from our goal, which is to learn, to keep learning and to bring back what we have learned to our university, our province, our country, and our continent.

The North-West University (NWU) has confirmed renowned business leader and entrepreneur Dr Anna Mokgokong’s second term as chancellor.

This was confirmed during a prestigious event in Potchefstroom on 12 March, after the NWU Council elected her for a further five years. Dr Mokgokong ended her first term on 20 November 2024.

As chancellor, she serves as titular head of the NWU, and all qualifications awarded by the university are formally conferred by her.

By Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu

The 2025 academic year is officially under way at the North-West University (NWU). Staff members across all three campuses attended the opening ceremony on Thursday, 13 February 2025, where the university leadership outlined priorities for the year ahead.

Stilfontein. It is a name irrevocably connected to South Africa’s mining sector. But, according to Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), it is high time that the country makes global mining headlines for the right reasons.

Monday, 27 January 2025 was not all business as usual at the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus. Dignitaries from the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) were hosted for a day-long oversight visit to the notable locations on the campus.

Crop production in South Africa is overshadowed by storm clouds, and not the type that farmers crave. A multitude of uncertainties combine to darken prospects for the country’s crop farmers, which include climate change, water shortages, soil degradation, disease, economic instability and infrastructure and energy restrictions.

That is why researchers at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences of the North-West University (NWU) pursue active solutions for the country’s most critical agricultural issues.

"Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even the interpretation and use of words involves a process of free creation."

These words by Noam Chomsky encapsulate the core of SADiLaR’s mission - harnessing the creative potential of language and technology to shape the future of South Africa’s indigenous languages.

The North-West University (NWU) rewarded its exceptional staff during the annual NWU Excellence Awards ceremony, which took place in Potchefstroom on 21 November.

More than 130 staff members received recognition for their outstanding contributions in teaching and learning, community engagement, and research and innovation respectively.

On 4 November 2024, the North-West University (NWU) celebrated a momentous occasion – the 50th birthday of its principal and vice-chancellor, Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka. This milestone coincided with the university’s 20th anniversary, creating a unique and symbolic double celebration. For Prof. Tyobeka, it was a day that not only marked his personal journey but also reflected the growth and transformation of the institution he has helped shape.

As the NWU delegation’s visit under the leadership of principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka to the North Carolina State University (NCSU) comes to an end, it is great to reflect on the many successful and insightful engagements. What a rewarding experience. The delegation will leave the United States with a reinvigorated purpose, knowing that the NWU is on track to further grow the university’s global footprint.