Teaching and Learning

Fourth-year social work conference highlights student achievements

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 06:33:22 +0000

Fourth-year social work conference highlights student achievements

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 01/21/2025 - 08:33

The North-West University's (NWU’s) subject group Social Work’s annual conference once again highlighted the achievements of fourth-year social work students, according to their block practicum experiences.

The event brought together students, academics, South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) members and practice supervisors for a day of presentations, learning and inspiration.

The theme, "Strengthening foundations for social work’s critical challenges", encapsulated the mission of fostering resilient, well-prepared social work practitioners equipped to tackle the complexities of the field.

The conference provided a platform for students to showcase their community work projects completed during their block practicum. During this time, students worked alongside experienced professionals in social work organisations across Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, Vanderbijlpark and neighbouring regions. This hands-on experience allowed students to engage with diverse community issues, apply their theoretical knowledge, and to gain exposure to real-world challenges.

According to students, these fieldwork experiences were instrumental in bridging the gap between classroom theory and professional practice. Working in various settings exposed them to the intricate dynamics of social work, building their confidence as emerging practitioners. “The practicum really showed me the impact that well-structured, informed social work can have on individuals and communities,” shared one student. “I feel more prepared to enter the profession and contribute meaningfully.”

The conference was hosted simultaneously across all three NWU campuses, which allowed for a broader exchange of ideas and best practices among students and faculty members.

The event was organised through the collaborative efforts of module coordinators Prof Pieter Boshoff, Dr Lucé Pretorius and Tsholofelo Shophi, who played a crucial role in coordinating the conference logistics across the three campuses, ensuring a smooth and impactful experience for all participants. With each campus presenting community work projects unique to their regional focus, attendees gained insight into the diverse challenges and solutions tailored to different South African communities.

The conference featured guest speakers, each offering expertise on the pressing challenges facing social work in South Africa. Their discussions emphasised the importance of foundational skills and critical thinking in social work practice. Topics ranged from addressing the impact of socioeconomic factors on vulnerable populations, to exploring innovative methods for community intervention.

Practice supervisors from partner organisations also attended, sharing insights from their work with students during the block practicum. Their presence underscored the significance of collaboration between academia and professional practice in preparing students for the social work field.

Dr Pretorius said these presentations inspired students, providing them with a broader understanding of their future roles and the critical issues they will face in practice.

The other attendees at the conference expressed their pride in the students' accomplishments and the university's commitment to fostering competent, compassionate social workers.

The day concluded with a shared understanding of the value of practical experience in social work education.

"By applying theory to real-world challenges, students gain not only the confidence needed to transition into professional roles, but also the critical thinking skills required to address complex social issues effectively. The conference proved to be a vital component of the NWU’s commitment to training future social workers who are ready to contribute to the betterment of South African society," said Dr Pretorious.

Minister Nkabane gives full support to North-West University’s medical school

MOIRA MULLER — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:32:14 +0000

Minister Nkabane gives full support to North-West University’s medical school MOIRA MULLER Thu, 01/16/2025 - 12:32

Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, Minister of Higher Education and Training has given her full support to the establishment of the North-West University’s (NWU) medical school.

In a letter to the principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, Minister Nkabane said that she appreciates the commitment demonstrated by the university in its efforts to be responsive to the needs of its communities while addressing the challenge of scarce skills in the country.
“I wish to confirm that I support the establishment of the new medical school and related projects at the university. The new medical school holds the promise of making significant contributions to both academia and practical applications, ultimately benefitting the country.” - said Minister Nkabane.
The NWU Medical School will be the 11th medical school in South Africa, and the project is a collaborative effort between the NWU and the North West Provincial Government. The new medical school seeks to address the shortfall of health practitioners in the province, and to provide a base to grow the country’s medical expertise.

“I look forward to supporting the university in its endeavours to establish the medical school and remain committed to ensuring that the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) partners with the university in this important process,” Minister Nkabane concluded.
The NWU has made significant strides towards the establishment of its medical school and the development of the necessary curriculum. All critical milestones which included the approval of the six-year curriculum, the development of module documents of all nine (9) modules were achieved in 2024, and all the necessary programme documents have been submitted to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for approval.

Minister Nkabane’s letter of support is crucial for the NWU and enables the university to finalise the Programme and Qualification Mix (PQM) and submit the curriculum to the Council on Higher Education (CHE) for accreditation.

During 2025, the NWU will finalise curriculum mapping, the design of study guides, and begin with the construction of the necessary infrastructure for the medical school. Critical staff appointments will also be made during 2025.

The NWU deeply appreciates the support of the Ministry of Higher Education and Training, the Ministry of Health, the North West Provincial Government especially the provincial Department of Health, and other stakeholders in the private and public sectors towards the establishment of the NWU Medical School.

We remain committed to have the first intake of first year students of the NWU Medical School in 2028.

The official launch of the NWU Medical School and other partnership announcements are planned for the first half of 2025.

Issued by NWU Corporate Relations and Marketing

Social work students pledge their dedication

MARELIZE SANTANA — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 09:17:04 +0000

Social work students pledge their dedication

by Zenoyise John

MARELIZE SANTANA Wed, 01/15/2025 - 11:17

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) subject group Social Work celebrated its annual Solemn Declaration Ceremony, a significant event for social work students across the university.

The ceremony was organised by senior lecturer Tasleem Sayed from the Potchefstroom Campus, Dr Lucé Pretorius, deputy subject group leader and senior lecturer from the Vanderbijlpark Campus, and Ellen Tlhojane from the Mahikeng Campus.

To accommodate different schedules and the unique aspects of each programme, the events were held on separate days at each campus, while maintaining a strong sense of unity and purpose.

Prof Alida Herbst, the deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Health Sciences, addressed students on the Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark campuses. She emphasised the core values and essential roles of social workers in society, motivating students to embrace their future responsibilities. The event was further enriched by the presence of social work lecturers, practice representatives, and members from the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), all of whom highlighted the importance of ethical practice within the profession.

On the Mahikeng Campus, Pastor Oscar Spiva led the proceedings with a thoughtful devotion, and Advocate Sedumedi from the Department of Justice highlighted the vital role of social work within the justice system, emphasising the importance of collaboration among different professions. Dr Frans Manthosi, representing the SACSSP, provided valuable insights regarding the council’s role and the importance of registration for student social workers. The event drew representatives from various sectors, including the South African National Defence Force, Correctional Services, and the South African Police Service, all demonstrating the collaborative spirit vital for successful social work practice.

The highlight of the ceremonies was the solemn declaration each student willingly signed, pledging their dedication to ethical conduct, community service and social justice. This declaration symbolises their commitment to upholding the NWU's values and their future roles in enhancing the social functioning of individuals and communities.

Dr Pretorius said that the ceremony exemplified the alignment of professional ethics, academic rigor and community engagement. “The successful, well-attended ceremonies at each campus were a collaborative effort, embodying the NWU’s dedication to producing skilled and ethically grounded social work graduates.”

She added that the event served as a reminder of the vital role that social work plays in promoting societal well-being and the ethical responsibilities that come with this noble profession.

NWU has reached capacity – no walk-in students allowed during registration of first-year students for 2025

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:28:12 +0000

NWU has reached capacity – no walk-in students allowed during registration of first-year students for 2025 MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 01/13/2025 - 08:28

In accordance with its internal processes and procedures, the North-West University (NWU) does not allow for a so-called walk-in application process for first-year students in 2025.

This means that persons who did not submit an application for studies during the application period, who did not receive an offer to study at the NWU or who applied for admission after the closure of the application period will not be able to make an application at this point in time.

The NWU has reached full capacity for its 2025 intake, with no extra places available. We had more than 390 000 applications of whom more than 276 000 submitted their final applications. Of these, only 11 754 can be accommodated in terms of our approved enrolment targets by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

“The NWU is proud of every Grade 12 learner who has completed their school career successfully and want to wish them well in advance as they embark on their various endeavours. Unfortunately, we are just not able to accommodate any walk-ins who did not qualify during the application process last year,” says deputy registrar Prof Michael Temane.

He says walk-ins refer mostly to non-accepted students who still want to study but do not meet the criteria or did not apply for admission.

It is furthermore important to mention that first-year applicants who received a conditional offer in respect of enrolment in 2025 at the NWU will be informed shortly after the release of the NSC results early this week of the status of their application. All prospective students who are uncertain whether they were admitted to study at the NWU should contact the university’s toll-free number (0860 169 698) from 20 January 2025, when online registration for first-year students will commence.

Prof Temane reminds unsuccessful applicants that another opportunity for application for further studies exists, as they may register online on the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) website for consideration at various universities depending on the availability of spaces. The national CACH sign-up service aims to provide unsuccessful applicants with access to career development services and, where possible, an opportunity to access spaces still available at other higher-education institutions. Their call centre can be reached on 0860 690 722.

The CACH facility sends prospective students’ information to all tertiary-education institutions. These institutions may contact them where places exist and if students meet the requirements.

Ranking agencies sing NWU’s praises

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:36:46 +0000

Ranking agencies sing NWU’s praises

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 12/11/2024 - 07:36

Three rankings confirm that the North-West University (NWU) is an institution that shines not only locally but also internationally, and can stand tall among some of the world’s greatest universities.

Students can be assured that when they decide on the NWU as their preferred choice for higher education, they also choose a university that is not only known for excellence but is making an impact in addressing pressing issues in Africa.

This is evident in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) University Rankings for 2024 by Times Higher Education (THE). According to this ranking, the NWU is sixth in South Africa and 17th in Africa out of 129 universities from 22 countries. These rankings specifically assess the impact of universities in addressing some of the toughest challenges faced in the region. It considers, among other things, the impact a university has in Africa, as well as the factors such as student engagement, access and fairness, and ethical leadership.

It explores themes that include university education, teaching quality, financial strength and addressing inequality. According to the SSA, the rankings not only assess current performance, but also help universities to identify key areas where they can improve. This was the first year the NWU participated in the SSA rankings. For more information about the SSA, visit https://www.timeshighereducation.com/sub-saharan-africa-university-rank….

Leading the way in social and environmental sustainability

The NWU is among the leading higher-education institutions locally and in Africa in responding to crucial environmental, social and governance issues. This is according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings for Sustainability 2025. QS published their results on 10 December.

This ranking places the NWU among the top seven out of 13 universities in South Africa, top eight in Africa out of 70 institutions on the continent, and overall 505th out of the 1 751 institutions that qualified for the ranking internationally.

The three performance lenses applied in each of the three categories are environmental impact, social impact and governance. Each performance lens is made up of separate indicators that are used to calculate a score.

The NWU was 176th for Governance, 524th for Social Impact, and 637th for Environmental Impact.

According to QS World University Rankings for Sustainability in 2025, universities must be eligible for the QS World University Rankings and the QS Rankings by Region or the QS Rankings by Subject to qualify for the Sustainability ranking.

For more information about the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2025, visit https://www.topuniversities.com/sustainability-rankings.

NWU excelling through research and innovation in Africa

The 2024 SCImago Institutions Rankings highlight African universities that have excelled in research output, societal impact and innovation. This ranking placed the NWU in the top 10 of its rankings – a significant achievement, as 283 universities were considered in the rankings.

The ranking placed the NWU 25th overall in their universities category.

SCImago’s three different sets of indicators (20 in total) are divided into three groups intended to reflect scientific, economic and social characteristics of institutions measured by their web visibility. For more information about this ranking, visit https://www.scimagoir.com/rankings.php?country=Africa.

Professor Ype Poortinga urges cross-cultural psychology to focus on global unity

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 08:34:55 +0000

Professor Ype Poortinga urges cross-cultural psychology to focus on global unity BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 12/02/2024 - 10:34

Professor Ype Poortinga, emeritus professor at Tilburg University and the University of Leuven, delivered an insightful lecture at the Optentia Research Unit at the Vanderbijlpark Campus. His talk, titled “Exploring the History of Cross-Cultural Psychology: The Primacy of Method over Theory,” explored the evolution of research methods in cross-cultural psychology, emphasising their importance in understanding differences and similarities in behaviour.

A leading expert in the field, Professor Poortinga highlighted how advancements in research methodology have allowed for a deeper understanding of the vast behavioural differences between populations over the past 50 years. However, he cautioned that cross-cultural psychology should shift its focus from merely identifying differences to exploring the commonalities that unite people worldwide.

“We’ve made great strides in understanding how populations vary, but we must also remember that we are all part of the same global community,” said Prof. Poortinga. He referred to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals as a framework to address global challenges like inequality, poverty, and environmental sustainability. He called for cross-cultural psychology to prioritise these shared concerns, framing them as issues faced by “villagers in the global village.”

Central to his lecture was the idea that identity is at the heart of cross-cultural psychological research. Prof. Poortinga argued that understanding how individuals perceive themselves and their place in the world offers more meaningful insights than merely observing differences in behaviour. He emphasised that cross-cultural psychology should focus on observable conventions and practices that guide people's lives across diverse contexts.

In discussing the future of the field, Poortinga urged for more rigorous study designs that ensure valid and meaningful comparisons. He explained that many perceived psychological differences between populations, such as countries, often diminish when research methodologies are refined, stressing the importance of construct equivalence and addressing biases in research.

Professor Poortinga's lecture underscored the importance of embracing both diversity and shared humanity. By focusing on global interconnectedness and pressing challenges, he advocates for a collaborative approach in cross-cultural research—one that aims to build bridges rather than highlight differences. His insights provide a roadmap for cross-cultural psychology to contribute to a more unified and sustainable world.

Ms Kele Ramagaga, Prof Blessed Ngwenya, Ms Elizabeth Kriel, Prof Ype Poortinga and Prof Ian Rothmann

Tarryn Williams recognised in OEB’s prestigious 30 under 30 programme

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 06:22:49 +0000

Tarryn Williams recognised in OEB’s prestigious 30 under 30 programme

by Angeline Marokoane

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 11/28/2024 - 08:22

Tarryn Williams, an Educational Technologist at the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) at North-West University (NWU), has been honoured for her outstanding contributions to education and technology. She has been selected as one of the recipients of the prestigious 30 Under 30 Programme at this year’s Open Education Berlin (OEB) Global Conference. This accolade highlights her pivotal role in advancing learning design, integrating innovative technologies, and supporting both lecturers and students in creating enriched educational experiences.

Tarryn is currently assigned to NWU’s Learning Management System (LMS) Replacement Project, an initiative focused on identifying and implementing a new platform to replace the existing eFundi system. Her primary responsibility within this project is ensuring that the diverse teaching and learning needs of the academic community are effectively addressed.

In her role, she is dedicated to enhancing the online learning experience for students while empowering lecturers to embrace technology and elevate their teaching practices. Reflecting on her mission, she shares:

“I firmly believe that when lecturers succeed, students succeed—and their success contributes to the overall achievements of the Centre for Teaching and Learning.”

Held annually in Berlin from 27 to 29 November the Open Education Berlin (OEB) Conference is one of the world’s leading events at the intersection of education and technology. It attracts over 2,500 attendees from more than 50 countries, including educators, policymakers, corporate learning professionals, and technology innovators. The conference explores critical themes such as digital transformation, open educational resources (OER), AI in learning, and personalized education, providing a dynamic platform for sharing ideas, discussing trends, and fostering global collaboration.

A highlight of the OEB Conference, the 30 Under 30 Programme celebrates young leaders under 30 who are driving significant change in educational technology. These innovators bring fresh perspectives and inspire learning communities worldwide through their work in creating open, sustainable, and inclusive educational practices.

Tarryn Williams’ selection for this esteemed programme underscores her transformative impact on the educational landscape. Her achievements reflect the dedication and innovation that the OEB 30 Under 30 Programme aims to recognize, positioning her as a key contributor to the future of global education.

As part of her participation, Tarryn contributed to a panel session on November 28, titled:

“Youth Voices: Redefining Learning Through the Eyes of Students and Young Professionals.”

During this session, she and other young delegates shared their perspectives and ideas on shaping the future of education, providing valuable insights from the next generation of educational leaders.

Her recognition at OEB not only honours her individual achievements but also highlights NWU’s commitment to fostering innovation in teaching and learning

Tarryn Williams

Excellence Awards recognise staff who excelled in their areas of expertise

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 06:07:13 +0000

Excellence Awards recognise staff who excelled in their areas of expertise

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 11/22/2024 - 08:07

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.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, congratulated the recipients. “We are honouring the dedicated and hardworking colleagues across our faculties and campuses for their cutting-edge research, innovative teaching and impactful community engagement, which are crucial pillars of our mission to connect academic excellence with social impact.”

He says the awards demonstrate the commitment of NWU staff who see education as a bridge to the communities the university serves and recognise that the NWU’s work has the power to make an impactful difference to humankind and the planet.

“These recognitions are a call to all of us at the NWU to continue fostering an ethos of community-centred excellence. We need to be inspired by these remarkable contributions to deepen our commitment to engagement, making our academic work ever more relevant and impactful as it is clearly articulated in our strategy document, Taking the NWU Forward: 2024 and beyond.”

NWU celebrates the best of the best in teaching and learning

The university celebrated leading lecturers from across the faculties in seven categories for their work in taking teaching and learning to continued levels of excellence.

This year’s recipients of the University Teaching Excellence Award (UTEA) were Prof Lida Holtzhausen of the Faculty of Humanities and Prof De Wet Wolmarans from the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Adri Olivier (Faculty of Education) and Prof Lynndle Square (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences) each received an Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award. Elizma Visagie of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences was the recipient of the Teaching with Information and Communication Technology Award.

Recipients of the Novice Teacher Award included Vernique Diedericks (Faculty of Education for best portfolio), Cila Botha (Faculty of Engineering), Sheurl Davis-Esterhuizen (Faculty of Theology), Thomas Erlank (Faculty of Humanities), Dr Rosa Modiba (Faculty of Education), Dr Zukile Ngqeza (Faculty of Theology), and Nomfundo Sibiya (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences).

The Blended Teaching Award went to Dr Annamagriet de Wet of the Faculty of Education.

The Team Teaching Award was presented to Dr Christiaan Bekker, Dr Christo Bisschoff, Prof Christmal Christmals, Prof Yolande Heymans, Dr Anitia Lubbe and Prof Jessica Pool, all from the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Staff honoured for their community engagement excellence

Five champions of community engagement received their due in four categories. Lemogang Masethe of Marketing and Student Recruitment received the Engaged Teaching and Learning Award for her work in the Ikateleng Project. Dr Benita Taylor (Faculty of Health Sciences) was honoured with an Engaged Research and Innovation Award for her work on the Bafenyi Project, with Jéan-Pierre van Deventer of the Faculty of Engineering receiving the Novice Award in this category for his work on STRIDE.

Prof Janelize Morelli (Faculty of Humanities) was the recipient of the Scholarship of Engagement Award for the Musikhane Community Music Engagement Programme, and Bathandekile Myeni (Faculty of Humanities) received the Discipline-based Outreach Award for the School of Music Food Bank.

Tor read more about the NWU’s Community Engagement projects, visit: https://services.nwu.ac.za/sustainability-community-impact

Researchers shine through expertise

Prof Anita Pienaar of the Faculty of Health Sciences was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Her expertise is in the longitudinal analysis of health, growth, physical activity and fitness in children. She also focuses on affordances of motor development and motor proficiency in children and the improvement of motor problems in children with differing needs aged 0 to 13 years.

Prof Gabila Nubong of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences was the NWU’s Most Productive Senior Researcher, with Prof Howard Chitimira (Faculty of Law) and Prof Anél Petzer (Faculty of Health Sciences) being the first runner-up and second runner-up respectively.

The Most Productive Emerging Researcher Award went to Dr Chantel Muller of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

Prof Oliver Fuo (Faculty of Law), Prof Rose Hayeshi (Faculty of Health Sciences), and Dr Fortunate Phaka (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences) received recognition for their national and international memberships.

The Top Inventor Award went to Prof Byron Bunt and Dr Lance Bunt from the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences respectively.

Prof Erica Derbyshire (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences) and Prof Byron Bunt (Faculty of Education) respectively received the Innovation Impact Award and the Creative Output Award.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Medal went to Inge Delport (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences) and Nicola Royce (Faculty of Health Sciences). Jonathan Stephanus Troskie of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences received the S2A3 Bronze Medal.

Faculty Teaching Awards give recognition for teaching excellence

The annual Faculty Teaching Awards, one of the NWU’s flagship initiatives, celebrate outstanding lecturers across the university's eight academic faculties. This initiative, led by the Centre for Teaching and Learning in collaboration with the faculties, highlights the NWU’s commitment to fostering an environment where teaching and learning thrive.

Earlier this month, 49 exceptional academics were honoured with Faculty Teaching Awards as university lecturers by their respective faculties. These recipients represent the pinnacle of commitment and quality in teaching, and we proudly acknowledge their hard work and dedication. To further celebrate this achievement, an announcement video was created to honour the Faculty Teaching Award winners and pay tribute to their contributions to the university’s teaching and learning landscape.

The 2024 awards showcased the dedication and collaboration of various stakeholders who contributed to the programme's success. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the office of the deputy dean for Teaching and Learning, faculty-appointed coordinators, academic developers, external contributors, resource providers, administrators, and the Teaching Awards Work Group and evaluation panels in faculties. Their combined efforts ensured a rigorous and rewarding process, reflecting the university's dedication to excellence in education. For a full list of all the winners visit: https://www.nwu.ac.za/sites/www.nwu.ac.za/files/files/i-news/electronic…

Prof. Linda du Plessis appointed as deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:46:03 +0000

Prof. Linda du Plessis appointed as deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 11/18/2024 - 07:46

The North-West University (NWU) is proud to announce that Prof. Linda du Plessis has been appointed as deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning by the NWU Council during its meeting on 13 November 2024.

She has been serving as acting deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning since August of this year, and previously, since July 2017 held the position of deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations.

“Throughout her career, and especially at the NWU, Prof. Linda has distinguished herself as an exceptional leader whose managerial skills and dedication to promote the values of the NWU has made her one of the flagbearers of our institution. She exemplifies the university’s mission, which is to benefit society through the provision of knowledge. Prof. Linda does not shy away from responsibility. On the contrary, she seeks it and embraces it, as is evident by the enduring impact she has made to help the NWU excel in innovative teaching, cutting-edge research and focused community engagement,” said Mr Bert Sorgdrager, chairperson of the NWU Council.

Prof. Linda has been a groundbreaker and after 30 years of experience in the higher education sector, her enthusiasm shows no sign of abating. She was the first female vice-rector of the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus from September 2008 until June 2016 and was thereafter appointed as that campus’ rector from September to June 2017. Higher honours soon followed.

As an academic, she has been widely published, has received numerous awards - including the Richard Mawditt Price from the University of Bath for the best doctoral student performance in 2020 – and has successfully led many national and international projects. She is also an alumna of the NWU, having obtained her BSc, BScHons and master’s degree in information systems, before completing her doctoral studies in 2002 at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education.

“On behalf of Council and the NWU, I wish Prof. Linda all the best in her new position and role. As a university, one of our main functions is to address the societal needs of our province and our country, and teaching and learning plays a pivotal role in this regard. Beyond our research and community engagement initiatives, it is our teaching and learning endeavours that will shape the future leaders, thinkers and citizens that our country needs. With Prof. Linda at the helm, this responsibility is in safe and responsible hands,” Mr Bert Sorgdrager concluded.

North-West University expertise addresses catastrophic teacher shortfall

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 07:27:34 +0000

North-West University expertise addresses catastrophic teacher shortfall

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 11/14/2024 - 09:27

Thirty-one thousand. That is the conservative estimate of the current teacher shortage in South Africa. Classrooms are overcrowded, with ballooning learner-to-teacher ratios, especially in rural and under-resourced schools. This severely impacts dropout rates and education quality.

This is not where the woes of future learners end. It is estimated that nearly half the teaching workforce will retire within the next decade, meaning the demand for new teachers will only keep increasing.

Immediate action is needed if the country’s degrading educational system is to be salvaged. The current situation in KwaZulu-Natal, where there are insufficient funds to pay more than 11 000 teachers, cannot become the norm.

How do we keep enticing potential teachers to follow a career path where uncertainty and a lack of top-level support is coupled with a crumbling infrastructure that is ill-equipped to meet the needs of their chosen profession?

According to Prof Maryna Reyneke, deputy dean for Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Education at the North-West University (NWU), both the university and its Faculty of Education fully understand the challenges prospective teachers face in the South African context.

“The education landscape indeed presents significant obstacles that leave aspiring teachers grappling with questions of stability and job security, professional growth and fulfilment. However, there are compelling reasons and strategic approaches to attract motivated individuals to and retain them in this noble profession,” she explains.

“Firstly, we must reaffirm and elevate the essential purpose of teaching as a deeply impactful, transformative career. Through the ages teachers have always held and continue to hold the power to shape society, to inspire young minds and to spark change, not only in communities where teachers find themselves, but also in national and international contexts. Teaching and learning in the Faculty of Education are aligned with the attainment of teacher competencies and of NWU graduate attributes such as flexibility, adaptability, resilience, creative and critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Our aim is to deliver prospective teachers who see themselves as agents of change in diverse contexts who can rise above obstacles.”

Communicating an integrated teacher education approach is also crucial: “Secondly, we are highlighting the advantages of our integrated approach to teacher education, which combines content expertise with pedagogical skill-building. This ensures that our graduates are well prepared, not only with the knowledge they need to teach but with the adaptive strategies required for diverse and evolving classroom environments. By building confidence and capability through this comprehensive approach, we manage to instil a sense of preparedness and empowerment.”

She also emphasises how the NWU is fostering support networks in education through mentorship and professional development programmes, and by advocating for better resources.

“In addition, while issues like infrastructure require systemic change, we are developing strong support networks in the education community, including mentorship and ongoing professional development. In the latter regard we offer various short leaning programmes, as well as formal qualifications such as a BEd Honours, an Advanced Certificate in Teaching, an Advanced Diploma in Education and master’s-degree and doctoral programmes. Our faculty is committed to advocating for our teachers at all levels, working with policy makers to secure better support and resources. By creating a culture that champions collaboration, encourages innovation and supports professional growth, we can help teachers feel sustained and valued on their journey.”

The NWU has been providing the country with teachers for more than a century, and its Faculty of Education is an undisputed leader in its field.

The faculty boasts five teaching and learning schools, namely Language Education, Psycho-Social Education, Professional Studies in Education, Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, as well as Commerce and Social Studies in Education.

Producing quality teachers is critical for South Africa, as the country’s education system faces severe shortages and significant performance gaps. Teachers are vital in reducing dropout rates and improving foundational literacy and numeracy, which are crucial for long-term socio-economic stability. A strong, well-prepared teaching workforce can help address inequalities by equipping learners with the skills needed to succeed.

Quality teachers also enhance the country’s ability to innovate, build a skilled workforce and foster social cohesion, making them indispensable in overcoming South Africa’s developmental challenges and realising sustainable growth.

Prof Reyneke: “The country needs more teachers, and in attracting potential teachers we are presenting an honest, realistic view while empowering them with the skills, resilience and community support they need to thrive.”