A national debate on STEM education is not optional; it is critical
South Africa’s infrastructure is failing, but the deeper crisis is that we are not developing the engineers, scientists and innovators needed to rebuild it.
Teaching and Learning
NWU and Pukyong National University strengthen ties through new agreements
The North-West University (NWU) and Pukyong National University (PKNU) in Busan, South Korea, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a student exchange agreement aimed at advancing academic cooperation and international mobility.
The agreements mark a new chapter in the NWU’s internationalisation efforts and strengthen its strategic engagement with the East Asian region.
The respective delegations were led by Dr Myunshin Ha, vice-president of PKNU, and Prof. Linda du Plessis, senior deputy vice-chancellor of the NWU.
From toys to talent: HRMA students turn theory into practice
Creativity and innovation took centre stage in the classroom as first-year Human Resource Management students at the North-West University (NWU) brought the employee selection process to life through an interactive demonstration using South African National Defence Force (SANDF) toy figures.
Madlanga Commission and IDAC testimony: Is SA witnessing the failure of leadership or the failure of its anti-corruption system?
The testimony presented before the Madlanga Commission on 29 July 2026 concerning the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), together with the resignation of its head, Adv. Andrea Johnson, should serve as a watershed moment in South Africa's fight against corruption.
Opinion piece by Dr Nkosingiphile Mkhize, a senior lecturer in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Government Studies
NWU leads conversation to shape the future of circular mining in South Africa
The North-West University’s (NWU) Centre for Sustainable Mining (CSM), host of the South African Circular Minerals and Metals Initiative (SACMMI) Hub, brought together leaders from government, academia, mining industry, research councils, and advocacy groups to gather strategic insights and evidence that will inform the development of South Africa’s Science, Technology and Innovation strategy for circularity in the Minerals and Metals Sector.
PhD study develops AI to detect misinformation in South African languages
When false information spreads online in English, artificial intelligence (AI) can often help identify it. But when the same misinformation appears in isiZulu, Sepedi or many other South African languages, the tools are limited.
A North-West University (NWU) PhD study by Dr Seani Rananga is addressing that gap by developing multilingual AI that can detect misinformation across English, isiZulu and Sepedi, laying the groundwork for safer digital spaces in South Africa.
Lessons from Japan: Yesterday can’t fix tomorrow, but today can
By Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU)
Mount Fuji’s famous peak is hidden behind a blanket of clouds today. It is a wondrous sight, and there is a serenity to it. It feels as though Japan, and specifically Tokyo, where I am, has been transported from the future to the present. The country is a technological marvel of automation and innovation, yet I also find myself carried into the past, to terrible moments more than 80 years ago.
NWU first-year part of the top 22 science and maths students in South Africa
By Michelle Hammann
Every year, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Brilliants Programme honours 22 top-performing students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related (STEM-related) study fields. For 2026, Caitlin Mans, a first-year Bachelor of Science student (BSc) in Biological Sciences with Microbiology and Biochemistry, is representing the North-West University (NWU) for this achievement.
Africa's classrooms must embrace AI without abandoning human-centred education
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping education across the globe, offering unprecedented opportunities to personalise learning, improve access to knowledge and ease administrative burdens. However, Africa's education systems must ensure that technological innovation strengthens, rather than replaces, the human relationships at the heart of teaching and learning.
Soil Science students fly the South African flag on the global stage
Soil Science students from the North-West University (NWU) proved that excellence goes beyond rankings when they represented South Africa at a recent international soil judging competition, competing against some of the top young soil scientists in the world.
Facing a field of 18 international teams and 72 students from across the globe, the South African team secured 11th place overall, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level.