The spirit of International Women’s Day came alive at the Vanderbijlpark campus of the North-West University (NWU) on 26 March 2026, as leaders, scholars, and students gathered under the theme “Give to Gain: Advancing Rights, Justice, and Empowerment for Women and Girls in Africa: Gofa kego Atlega’’.

Anchored in the global call of “Rights. Justice. Action. for ALL Women and Girls,” the conference challenged participants to move beyond reflection towards meaningful, collective action.

Andiswa Msi, campus chief director of the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU), joined leaders from business, academia and international organisations at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) for the annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality market opening ceremony.

The event marked a global call to advance gender equality and expand women’s participation in leadership and economic decision-making.

Paralympic athlete Liezel Gouws broke the T37 female long-jump African record at the Athletics Central North West (ACNW) League meeting on Tuesday 3 March in Potchefstroom, cementing her place in African para-athletics history.

Gouws added another accolade to her decorated career with a leap of 4.78 m, surpassing the previous African record of 4.59 m set by Anais Angeline from Mauritius.

With 25 years of distinguished service, Amanda Kruger is widely regarded as one of the most experienced and dependable professionals at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Known as one of the go-to people at the institution, she is recognised for her extensive institutional knowledge, strong professional networks and unwavering commitment to excellence. Over two decades, she has become someone who “knows anyone and everyone”, playing a pivotal role in the smooth running and remarkable growth of the campus.

Ndivhuwo Muvhulawa, a PhD student in Biochemistry at the North-West University (NWU), Mahikeng Campus, received a fellowship from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to conduct research at the Università degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo from January to September.

Female academics from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus Science Centre once again confirmed that mathematics and science can open up limitless career opportunities for girls and young women.

“The opportunities in chemistry are endless. You can work in environmental science, start your own business, or even create products like perfumes because you understand the materials and how they interact,” said Chemistry lecturer Dr Naledi Raleie.

As the new academic year began at the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU), some returning students faced a harsh reality: without money to register, their dreams of continuing their education were at risk. For months, these students had juggled part-time jobs, family responsibilities and academic pressure – only to be met with the devastating possibility of being left behind.

Soprano Thando Mabuza, an honours degree music student at the North-West University (NWU), has received a scholarship to further her studies at the Musikhochschule Lübeck in Germany, following her participation in the Vocal Masterclass and Scholarship Scheme with Martin Hundelt.

“When I received the news, I could not believe it, because during the masterclass everyone was so prepared,” said Thando. “I was excited, and I scared my family with my screams.”

For Dr Modupe Stella Ayilara, science has always been about more than research. It is about people, communities and finding solutions that matter.

The Department of Basic Education’s commitment to increasing psychosocial support for learners and teachers has the potential to deliver long-term gains for education and the country.

At the release of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, South African education officials, including the Minister of Basic Education, acknowledged the emotional strain caused by examinations, academic pressure and social challenges facing many learners and emphasised the urgent need for support.