The Debating Society on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus made a good impression at the North West Open 2024, hosted and organised by the Potchefstroom Campus’ Debating Union.

The three-day tournament took place from 9 to 11 August and showcased the exceptional talents of NWU students.

Featuring a British Parliamentary Debate format with five preliminary rounds leading to the final rounds, 35 speaking teams and 37 adjudicators participated in the competition.

The Vanderbijlpark debate team included six speakers and two judges.

In a tightly contested match, the North-West University (NWU) secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in a gripping encounter.

The game, which took place at NWU Mahikeng stadium, was a tale of two halves, with the NWU dominating the first and TUT mounting a strong challenge in the second.

Two students from the North-West University (NWU) recently clinched the championship title in the prestigious Southern Africa Debating Championships, hosted by die University of Botswana in Gaborone.

With this amazing performance, they marked a historic achievement for the university, as it was the first time the NWU reached the finals and took the spoils.

The winning students were part of a group of six talented students from the Debate Society on the Potchefstroom Campus who represented the university at the championships.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Optentia research unit recently celebrated a significant milestone with delivering the first PhD graduate in social sciences with relational dynamics and development. The groundbreaking research of Dr Constant Laubscher van Graan focuses on relational dynamics in forensic investigations.

His study has significantly contributed to the field of commercial forensic investigations by shedding light on the complex dynamics that unfold during interactions between multiple stakeholders.

By Loveness Hulwane

The Goddess Night event hosted by the North-West University's (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus Arts Unit was truly a night to remember. The ladies went all out, and their stunning attire perfectly embodied the event's theme, "A Bridgerton Affair".

The event aimed to foster a spirit of sisterhood among the attendees, drawing inspiration from the popular series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.

North-West University (NWU) student Sandile Mbizeni is a debater extraordinaire.

His involvement with debate began when he assumed the role of chief adjudicator of the Debate Union on the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus. During this time he had to coach debaters and public speakers, adjudicate internal tournaments, and represent the union in external competitions. "It was about creating an environment where speakers could grow and learn the art of debate," he reflects.

In the words of American inspirational author William Arthur Ward, "Teaching is more than imparting knowledge; it is inspiring change. Learning is more than absorbing facts; it is acquiring understanding."

This quote deeply resonates with Tumelo Malebelela, deputy principal at Molelwane Secondary School in Mahikeng, who was born and bred in a township called Atamelang.

The North-West University (NWU) hosted the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI) and Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Northwest Tour (YET), from 6 to 7 August, welcoming young impactful entrepreneurs to the Potchefstroom Campus.

The YET aims to extend entrepreneurship development support across South Africa. The tour visits each province, providing a platform where young entrepreneurs can showcase their ventures. 

North-West University (NWU) PhD student Sinenhlanhla Mthembu has been chosen to participate in the Young Scientists Female Programme from 1 to 30 October 2024 at Okayama University in Japan.

Two stars from North-West University (NWU) have added their own sparkle to the Parisian skyline, joining the ranks of other greats in the city known for its lights. Jo-Ané van Dyk (javelin) and Bradley Nkoana (4x100 m) captured silver medals at the Paris Olympic Games and showed that greatness knows no geographical boundaries, but is defined by determination and skill.

NWU athletics manager at the Potchefstroom Campus, Wade Fraser, was very pleased with how both athletes performed.