Excellence

Academic receives global environmental science honour

A North-West University (NWU) researcher has joined a group of scientists recognised for shaping environmental science across the world.

Prof. Victor Wepener was named a recipient of the 2026 Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Fellow Award during a recent event in the Netherlands. The award recognises sustained contributions to environmental science, research leadership and societal impact.

Submitted on

Prof. Olubukola Babalola ranked among world’s leading plant scientists

Prof. Olubukola Oluranti Babalola from the North-West University (NWU) has been recognised among the world’s leading researchers in plant science and agronomy after being ranked 448th globally and fifth in South Africa in the 2026 edition of the Research.com rankings.

Prof. Babalola, who is based on the Mahikeng Campus, also received the 2026 Research.com Plant Science and Agronomy in South Africa Leader Award in recognition of her contribution to research in the field.

Submitted on

NWU alumnus wins 2026 Nedbank Cup with Durban City Football Club

Michael Navi Radebe, an alumnus of the North-West University (NWU), has added his name to the list of 2026 Nedbank Cup winners after helping Durban City FC secure the title.

He says the victory carried personal significance because of his earlier connection with the Nedbank brand.

“I was part of the last Nedbank Ke Yona Team Search in 2019, so coming to win this competition feels like a full-circle moment,” he says.

Submitted on

Congratulations Dr Rassie on receiving the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold

When Dr Rassie Erasmus walked onto the stage at the North-West University (NWU) in 2024 to receive an honorary doctorate, it was not only recognition of a rugby coach. It was recognition of a leader who helped shape moments that united a country and reminded South Africans of what can still be achieved when belief, resilience and shared purpose come together.

Submitted on

Goitumetswe Ekopanye recognised for her excellence at the North West Cricket Awards

  • Goitumetswe Ekopanye won the Player of the Year Award in the T20 category for the North-West University (NWU) Mafikeng Ladies 1 team at the 2026 North West Cricket Awards.
  • She was also named the Bowler of the Year in the same category, marking this as her first-ever awards she won since playing the sport.

 

Submitted on

Empowering academic excellence: Student chapters inspire exam success

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) student chapter and Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences student academic chapter, in partnership with the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management, recently hosted a successful and impactful Exam Preparation event.

This initiative was aimed at empowering students with practical academic tools, strategies and motivation ahead of examinations.

Submitted on

Athletes secure medals at USSA Championships

North-West University (NWU) athletes delivered medal performances at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) championships after managing tactical races, injuries and recovery during the national university competition.

NWU athlete Andrea Steynberg earned bronze in the women’s 800 m final after moving up from sixth position in the closing stages of the race.

Submitted on

NWU alumnus appointed to Supreme Court of Appeal

The appointment of North-West University (NWU) alumnus, Leonie Windell, to the Supreme Court of Appeal marks the culmination of a legal career spanning more than three decades, rooted in a foundational legal education obtained at the NWU.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, that Judge Windell has been appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal with effect from 1 June 2026. The appointment was made in terms of section 174(6) of the Constitution and on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.

Submitted on