Teaching and Learning

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

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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Best Practice Teaching and Learning conference highlights innovation and student success

The North-West University (NWU) held its yearly conference about good teaching and learning practices at the Emerald Hotel in Vanderbijlpark on 26 and 27 May 2026.

The main theme was "Rethinking Teaching, Learning, and Assessment: Helping Students Succeed in the Digital Age”. This event gathered academia, educators and learning experts to look at new ways to teach in universities.

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Apply to study at the university you know and trust – #MyNWU

The North-West University (NWU) 2027 application season is open, and applications are coming in thick and fast. Since the opening of the application season on 1 June 2026, close to 20 000 prospective students have already submitted their applications.

Applications for selection courses will close on 30 June 2026 while applications for general courses and residences are scheduled to close on 31 August 2026.  Applications for postgraduate studies close on 30 November 2026.

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