As nations strive towards net-zero energy targets, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), has called for South Africa to take the nuclear energy lead as the continent transitions away from its fossil fuel dependency.

Speaking ahead of one of the most significant international energy gatherings on African soil, the G20 Nuclear Energy Ministerial Conference being held on 9 October in Durban, Prof Tyobeka stressed that South Africa’s leadership in nuclear development could define how the continent navigates its energy future.

The 2025 North-West University (NWU) Leadership Summit, hosted by the Student Life division, took place on 3 and 4 October at the Stonehenge River Lodge in Parys, paving the way forward for student leadership development.

This year’s theme, “Rooted in Resilience: Go Boldly Through Challenges”, reflected the summit’s mission of sharing knowledge needed for a successful leadership term. Student leaders from all three campuses gained valuable skills that align with the institution’s Student Leadership and Governance objectives and goals.

One of the most influential figures in South Africa’s higher education history, Prof John William Mokone Makhene, was the guest of honour at a high-profile colloquium hosted recently by the North-West University (NWU).

The colloquium, held at the Mmabatho Palms Hotel in Mahikeng on 3 October, had the theme “Academic leadership as a catalyst for transformative change”. It was an apt reminder that visionary leadership can shape entire generations.

Nuclear science and capacity building are particular strengths of the North-West University (NWU), as was evident from its inclusion in South Africa’s official delegation at the 69th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Austria.

Exaggeration is so often used as a tool for disinformation and to instil fear, but it is fair to say that never has the need to understand how our critical resources are interlinked been so important for the current and future welfare of our planet.

There is a nexus between energy, water and the environment, and here South Africa, with its unique challenges, stands at a crossroads. The country is grappling with a complex web of energy shortfalls, water scarcity and environmental pressures. And South Africa is not alone.

On Friday, 5 September, staff, students and alumni of the North-West University (NWU) joined forces across all three campuses to walk proudly and boldly in support of students in need.

The spirit of generosity and compassion was evident among those who took part in the NWU Purple Walk, a remarkable initiative that celebrated NWU Giving Week. From Monday, 1 September, to Saturday, 6 September, the NWU dedicated the week to fostering unity and kindness, and to nurturing students’ dreams and creating a pathway for them to inspire others.

As Starlink’s vast constellation of satellites traverse the sky in low-Earth orbit, they evoke wonder and awe in those gazing up at the night heavens. Science fiction has become technological reality. Yet, for South Africans, the benefits remain as distant as the stars beyond our solar system.

The North-West University (NWU) continues to strengthen its international networks in line with its strategy, Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond. Central to this vision is the commitment of the institution to global partnerships, academic excellence and societal impact.

Research is at a crossroads, but the choice facing researchers is clear: make a difference to the world’s most pressing problems or be relegated to irrelevance.

“We are reminded that the decisions we make regarding the type of research we prioritise will either be the turning point towards a more sustainable and equitable world, or a missed opportunity by which history will judge us harshly,” said Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) at the opening of NWU Research and Innovation (R&I) Week.