A year of review, reflection, and new frontiers is an appropriate theme for 2023. This is according to Prof Robert Balfour, deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning during the Official Academic Opening of the North-West University (NWU).

The opening ceremonies took place across the NWU’s three campuses on 24 February 2023.

Prof Balfour said that the university’s senior management considered a range of initiatives to enable staff to make a greater impact nationally.

These include a renewed focus on the School of Medicine, the School for Veterinary Sciences as a new focal point, as well as focusing on capacity-shortage realities in North West province. Other matters in the spotlight are sustainable mining and community development, developing and implementing a new student information system, and scoping and sourcing a new learner management system.”

He added that these and other initiatives underpin the commitment to academic excellence and social justice.

“Excellence and social justice are integrated concepts, and as such, all the university’s efforts are geared toward supporting student success, having an impact on local and professional communities, as well as developing staff to ensure the future success of the university,” said Prof Balfour.

In closing, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, the NWU’s vice-chancellor and principal, said the NWU will continue to operate in the most vigilant manner in all areas to ensure the welfare, health and safety of staff and students.

“Let us continue to embrace a culture that is inclusive, non-discriminatory, and characterised by discipline, Botho/Ubuntu and excellence to enable our unitary university to be a home for all.”

He reiterated the NWU’s approach of zero tolerance to any form of discrimination, ill-discipline and violence – including gender-based violence.

“I take this opportunity to also express my gratitude to all university stakeholders for their continued support. Together we can enhance what we already have and take it to greater heights,” said Prof Tyobeka.

Read Prof Balfour’s address here.

Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, addresses staff members on the Mahikeng Campus.

University management during the official academic opening on the Potchefstroom Campus.

Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations, addresses staff members of the Vanderbijlpark Campus.