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  4.    <title>news.nwu.ac.za</title>
  5.    <link>https://news.nwu.ac.za/</link>
  6.    <description></description>
  7.    <language>en</language>
  8.    
  9.    <item>
  10.  <title>NWU confirms Dr Anna Mokgokong’s second term as chancellor</title>
  11.  <link>https://news.nwu.ac.za/nwu-confirms-dr-anna-mokgokongs-second-term-chancellor</link>
  12.  <description>&lt;span&gt;NWU confirms Dr Anna Mokgokong’s second term as chancellor&lt;/span&gt;
  13.  
  14.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;by &lt;a href=&quot;https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Willie&quot;&gt;Willie du Plessis&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  15.      &lt;span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;&quot; about=&quot;/user/32504&quot; typeof=&quot;schema:Person&quot; property=&quot;schema:name&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;BELINDA BANTHAM&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
  16. &lt;span&gt;Thu, 03/13/2025 - 10:04&lt;/span&gt;
  17.  
  18.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;The North-West University (NWU) has confirmed renowned business leader and entrepreneur Dr Anna Mokgokong’s second term as chancellor.&lt;/p&gt;
  19.  
  20. &lt;p&gt;This was confirmed during a prestigious event in Potchefstroom on 12 March, after the NWU Council elected her for a further five years. Dr Mokgokong ended her first term on 20 November 2024.&lt;/p&gt;
  21.  
  22. &lt;p&gt;As chancellor, she serves as titular head of the NWU, and all qualifications awarded by the university are formally conferred by her.&lt;/p&gt;
  23.  
  24. &lt;p&gt;“It is an honour for me to be afforded the opportunity to serve a second term as chancellor of the NWU,” says Dr Mokgokong. “This gives me an opportunity to continue to serve the NWU. As I embark on my second term, my sense of purpose and determination for what we need to achieve together has never been stronger. I am eager to build the legacy that will bear testimony of my tenure.”&lt;/p&gt;
  25.  
  26. &lt;p&gt;Dr Mokgokong says she believes that no job is ever truly finished. “We can always do better, be better, and aim higher. We can always work harder – because what we are working for is greater than ourselves. This belief has been a hallmark of my career, and it will continue to guide me in the years to come.”&lt;/p&gt;
  27.  
  28. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Illustrious entrepreneurial career&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  29.  
  30. &lt;p&gt;She is the co-founder and Executive Chairperson of Community Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a 100% black-owned company that was established in 1995. Dr Mokgokong is a true social activist who has made immense contributions to the transformation of the companies on whose boards she serves.&lt;/p&gt;
  31.  
  32. &lt;p&gt;In addition to contributing her extensive business knowledge and acumen to the NWU, she has served on the boards of several JSE-listed companies and as president of the South African Women Entrepreneurs Network (SAWEN).&lt;/p&gt;
  33.  
  34. &lt;p&gt;A former president of the International Women’s Forum of South Africa (IWFSA), Dr Mokgokong was inducted in 1998 into Women Entrepreneurs of the World, an independent, international network of the world’s most powerful and successful entrepreneurs.&lt;/p&gt;
  35.  
  36. &lt;p&gt;Over the years, she has received numerous accolades, the latest from African Women in Business (AWiB) in partnership with Regenesys Business School, which presented her with the prestigious Outstanding Leadership Award during the Inaugural AWiB Conference awards ceremony in August 2024.&lt;/p&gt;
  37.  
  38. &lt;p&gt;Dr Mokgokong obtained a BSc from the University of Botswana, and an MBChB from the Medical University of South Africa. She is the first woman to have received an honorary doctorate of commerce from Unisa.&lt;/p&gt;
  39.  
  40. &lt;p&gt;Mr Bert Sorgdrager, Council chairperson, congratulated Dr Mokgokong on her reelection and expressed his gratitude for the active role that she plays within the NWU community. “Being the chancellor of the university requires a special person with special skills and special attributes. You cannot just take any&lt;/p&gt;
  41.  
  42. &lt;p&gt;person and make them the chancellor. It is a unique role, requiring a unique person, and the NWU is so fortunate to have you, Dr Mokgokong. We really thank you for that.”&lt;/p&gt;
  43.  
  44. &lt;p&gt;Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, says from the moment Dr Mokgokong assumed the chancellorship, she has been more than a ceremonial figure. “She has been an active force in shaping the NWU’s strategic direction. As a globally recognised entrepreneur, she has leveraged her influence to position the NWU as a key player in innovation, research and development.”&lt;/p&gt;
  45.  
  46. &lt;p&gt;He says her vision aligns seamlessly with the NWU’s mission of academic excellence, societal impact and global engagement.&lt;/p&gt;
  47.  
  48. &lt;p&gt;“Her commitment to forming meaningful partnerships has opened new avenues for the NWU, strengthening our relationships with numerous industry partners, government entities and many other collaborators.”&lt;/p&gt;
  49.  
  50. &lt;p&gt;According to Prof Tyobeka, Dr Mokgokong’s strategic leadership has been transformative for the NWU, particularly for students in the health sciences, and more recently for MBA students.&lt;/p&gt;
  51.  
  52. &lt;p&gt;“She has mentored many women through our Women in Leadership programme and has ensured that the NWU remains a space where all talent thrives. Through her extensive networks, she continues to elevate the university’s public profile, working towards securing critical investments and partnerships that support student success. Her involvement in advancing the NWU Medical School project has been pivotal in accelerating the establishment of the school, and her efforts have delivered significant results.”&lt;/p&gt;
  53.  
  54. &lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;Dr Anna&quot; class=&quot;img-responsive&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/a788d193-2b7f-4199-a0b6-4098e01ab801.jpg&quot; title=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  55.  
  56. &lt;p&gt;Mr Bert Sorgdrager, Council chairperson, Dr Anna Mokgokong, chancellor and Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, during the confirmation of Dr Mokgokong’s second term as chancellor.&lt;/p&gt;
  57.  
  58. &lt;p&gt;Enquiries: Willie du Plessis, Communications specialist: 082 590 0692&lt;/p&gt;
  59.  
  60. &lt;p&gt;Hanna McDonald, Community Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd: 083 805 3691&lt;/p&gt;
  61.  
  62. &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
  63. &lt;/div&gt;
  64.      </description>
  65.  <pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:04:23 +0000</pubDate>
  66.    <dc:creator>BELINDA BANTHAM</dc:creator>
  67.    <guid isPermaLink="false">30663 at https://news.nwu.ac.za</guid>
  68.    </item>
  69. <item>
  70.  <title>Charting a strategic path for 2025 academic year</title>
  71.  <link>https://news.nwu.ac.za/charting-strategic-path-2025-academic-year</link>
  72.  <description>&lt;span&gt;Charting a strategic path for 2025 academic year&lt;/span&gt;
  73. &lt;span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;&quot; about=&quot;/user/32504&quot; typeof=&quot;schema:Person&quot; property=&quot;schema:name&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;BELINDA BANTHAM&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
  74. &lt;span&gt;Fri, 02/14/2025 - 14:33&lt;/span&gt;
  75.  
  76.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;text-align-right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;By Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  77.  
  78. &lt;p&gt;The 2025 academic year is officially under way at the North-West University (NWU). Staff members across all three campuses attended the opening ceremony on Thursday, 13 February 2025, where the university leadership outlined priorities for the year ahead.&lt;/p&gt;
  79.  
  80. &lt;p&gt;Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, highlighted the university’s strategic direction. &quot;This year presents an opportunity to refine our institutional objectives and align them with global trends in higher education,&quot; he said. &quot;We are strengthening research, expanding industry partnerships and enhancing student learning through innovative methodologies.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
  81.  
  82. &lt;p&gt;Research emerged as a central theme. Prof Tyobeka announced interdisciplinary initiatives addressing societal challenges. &quot;We are focusing on research that responds to climate change, energy sustainability, digital transformation and public health,&quot; he stated. &quot;These efforts will position NWU as a leading institution in impactful research.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
  83.  
  84. &lt;p&gt;He emphasised the role of collaboration: &quot;Partnerships with global institutions will enhance our capacity to contribute meaningful solutions.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
  85.  
  86. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Staff development and student support are priorities&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  87.  
  88. &lt;p&gt;Staff development remained a key focus. &quot;Our success relies on the expertise and dedication of our staff. We are introducing professional development programmes to support career progression and create an environment that enables excellence,&quot; Prof Tyobeka said.&lt;/p&gt;
  89.  
  90. &lt;p&gt;Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning, outlined plans for academic programmes. &quot;Students remain central to our mission. We are refining teaching methods to ensure they align with industry needs and prepare students for future careers. The integration of digital platforms will provide flexible and interactive learning experiences.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
  91.  
  92. &lt;p&gt;Student support services featured prominently in her address. &quot;Academic success is linked to student well-being. This year, we are expanding mental health and academic support initiatives. We aim to provide students with the resources needed to navigate their academic journey successfully.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
  93.  
  94. &lt;p&gt;Prof Tyobeka and Prof du Plessis reiterated the NWU’s commitment to transformation and inclusivity. &quot;Every student and staff member should experience a sense of belonging. Our policies will continue to reflect our dedication to equality and inclusivity,&quot; Prof Tyobeka said.&lt;/p&gt;
  95.  
  96. &lt;p&gt;As the 2025 academic year unfolds, the NWU’s leadership has defined priorities that reflect the institution’s long-term vision. With a focus on research, teaching and student success, the university seeks to enhance its position in higher education.&lt;/p&gt;
  97.  
  98. &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
  99. &lt;/div&gt;
  100.      </description>
  101.  <pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2025 12:33:26 +0000</pubDate>
  102.    <dc:creator>BELINDA BANTHAM</dc:creator>
  103.    <guid isPermaLink="false">30598 at https://news.nwu.ac.za</guid>
  104.    </item>
  105. <item>
  106.  <title>Prof Bismark Tyobeka: Mining in South Africa is more than Stilfontein </title>
  107.  <link>https://news.nwu.ac.za/prof-bismark-tyobeka-mining-south-africa-more-stilfontein</link>
  108.  <description>&lt;span&gt;Prof Bismark Tyobeka: Mining in South Africa is more than Stilfontein &lt;/span&gt;
  109.  
  110.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;by &lt;a href=&quot;https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Bertie&quot;&gt;Bertie Jacobs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  111.      &lt;span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;&quot; about=&quot;/user/32504&quot; typeof=&quot;schema:Person&quot; property=&quot;schema:name&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;BELINDA BANTHAM&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
  112. &lt;span&gt;Thu, 01/30/2025 - 12:08&lt;/span&gt;
  113.  
  114.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stilfontein. It is a name irrevocably connected to South Africa’s mining sector. But, according to Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), it is high time that the country makes global mining headlines for the right reasons.&lt;/p&gt;
  115.  
  116. &lt;p&gt;“The saga of the illegal miners in the Buffelsfontein Mine in Stilfontein caught the attention of global news agencies and painted a very skewed picture of mining in South Africa. It was and still is disheartening. We should be able to dictate what the picture of one of our most valuable sectors looks like. Our mines are resources of immense value, and they can contribute even more to the fortunes of all South Africans. We need the world to know this, and we need the world to see this. In 2023, the mining sector contributed more than R200 billion to our gross domestic product. It is a sector that employs more than 470 000 people. These are not insignificant numbers,” said Prof Tyobeka.&lt;/p&gt;
  117.  
  118. &lt;p&gt;“The mines are feeder veins to their surrounding communities and a lifeline to countless households. That is why the NWU is actively pursuing the establishment of our School of Mines and Mining Engineering, which will be based in Rustenburg, to address the evolving need of South Africa’s mining industry. The mining sector remains the backbone of South Africa’s economy, fuelling job creation, exports and industrial growth. Rich in minerals like gold, platinum and rare earths, mines are pivotal to global supply chains. With responsible governance and innovation, mining can drive sustainable development, uplift communities and secure the nation&#039;s economic resilience.”&lt;/p&gt;
  119.  
  120. &lt;p&gt;From 3 to 6 February, Cape Town will play host to the Investing in African Mining Indaba, which is the largest conference of its kind in the world.&lt;/p&gt;
  121.  
  122. &lt;p&gt;“The country and the continent need events like this to show that we will not be defined by failures that make for sensational reading, like Stilfontein, but by current successes and those to come. We are the world’s largest producer of platinum, with about 70% of global production hailing from South Africa. We are also a notable exporter of gold, iron ore, manganese, chromium, diamonds and more. We are a global mining power, not a refuge for zama zamas and their exploitation tactics. Let us take hands and work together to show the world who we are,” Prof Tyobeka concluded.&lt;/p&gt;
  123. &lt;/div&gt;
  124.      </description>
  125.  <pubDate>Thu, 30 Jan 2025 10:08:48 +0000</pubDate>
  126.    <dc:creator>BELINDA BANTHAM</dc:creator>
  127.    <guid isPermaLink="false">30561 at https://news.nwu.ac.za</guid>
  128.    </item>
  129. <item>
  130.  <title>NWU oversight visit: campus tour and discussion of strategic topics </title>
  131.  <link>https://news.nwu.ac.za/nwu-oversight-visit-campus-tour-and-discussion-strategic-topics</link>
  132.  <description>&lt;span&gt;NWU oversight visit: campus tour and discussion of strategic topics &lt;/span&gt;
  133.  
  134.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;by &lt;a href=&quot;https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Steve&quot;&gt;Steve Maphakathe&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  135.      &lt;span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;&quot; about=&quot;/user/32504&quot; typeof=&quot;schema:Person&quot; property=&quot;schema:name&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;BELINDA BANTHAM&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
  136. &lt;span&gt;Wed, 01/29/2025 - 09:34&lt;/span&gt;
  137.  
  138.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;Monday, 27 January 2025 was not all business as usual at the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus. Dignitaries from the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) were hosted for a day-long oversight visit to the notable locations on the campus.&lt;/p&gt;
  139.  
  140. &lt;p&gt;With an extensive agenda, visitors took in the highlights of the campus and learnt about the initiatives by the NWU to promote both educational well-being and academic success. Here is a look at some of their stops along the way:&lt;/p&gt;
  141.  
  142. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;· Ferdinand Postma Library:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  143.  
  144. &lt;p&gt;The delegates began their tour at this well-informed location, where postgraduate study areas for master’s-degree and PhD students were displayed. The tour also highlighted the construction site of a facility tailored for students with disabilities that features adjustable furniture and sound-proof study rooms.&lt;/p&gt;
  145.  
  146. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;· NWU Medical School:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  147.  
  148. &lt;p&gt;The visitors went to the planned location for the NWU’s future medical school. There was a tangible sense of excitement about this new endeavour that holds the potential to improve medical education in the region.&lt;/p&gt;
  149.  
  150. &lt;p&gt;· Health Sciences research simulation laboratory:&lt;/p&gt;
  151.  
  152. &lt;p&gt;Things became interactive as the visitors observed a live simulation at the Pharmacy simulation and skills laboratory. This state-of-the-art facility bridges the gap between theory and practice by providing training to medical doctors already in the field, undergraduate and postgraduate students.&lt;/p&gt;
  153.  
  154. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;· Protection Services construction site:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  155.  
  156. &lt;p&gt;The tour proceeded with an enlightening visit to the construction site of a new facility that will house gender-based violence (GBV) complaint offices. Delegates were also introduced to the SMART campus initiative, which focuses on using technology to create a connected and creative learning environment.&lt;/p&gt;
  157.  
  158. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;· Admissions Building:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  159.  
  160. &lt;p&gt;Amid the ongoing registration period for first-year and senior students, the delegates took advantage of the opportunity to interact with admissions officers and students during their tour.&lt;/p&gt;
  161.  
  162. &lt;p&gt;The campus visit concluded with The Hon Walter Letsie, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, chairing the meeting that discussed strategic topics such as governance and administration, the Student Representative Council (SRC), management, and the Institutional Forum (IF).&lt;/p&gt;
  163.  
  164. &lt;div class=&quot;row&quot;&gt;
  165. &lt;div class=&quot;col-sm-3&quot;&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;The Hon Walter Letsie chairing the meeting. &quot; class=&quot;img-responsive&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/Hon%20Wlater%20Letsie.jpg&quot; title=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Hon Walter Letsie chairing the meeting.&lt;/p&gt;
  166. &lt;/div&gt;
  167.  
  168. &lt;div class=&quot;col-sm-3&quot;&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;NWU Chacellor&quot; class=&quot;img-responsive&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/Prof%20Bismark%20Tyobeka(1).jpg&quot; title=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Prof Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, during his welcoming address.&lt;/p&gt;
  169. &lt;/div&gt;
  170.  
  171. &lt;div class=&quot;col-sm-3&quot;&gt;
  172. &lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;Dina Mashiyane, senior manager for Library and Information Services, welcoming the delegates at the Ferdinand Postma Librar&quot; class=&quot;img-responsive&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/Stock%20Image%20%2B%20Dina.jpg&quot; title=&quot;&quot; /&gt;Dina Mashiyane, senior manager for Library and Information Services, welcoming the delegates at the Ferdinand Postma Library.&lt;/p&gt;
  173.  
  174. &lt;p&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
  175. &lt;/div&gt;
  176.  
  177. &lt;div class=&quot;col-sm-3&quot;&gt;
  178. &lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;The delegation observing a live simulation at the research simulation lab.&quot; class=&quot;img-responsive&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/Live%20Simulation.jpg&quot; title=&quot;&quot; /&gt;The delegation observing a live simulation at the research simulation lab.&lt;/p&gt;
  179. &lt;/div&gt;
  180. &lt;/div&gt;
  181.  
  182. &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
  183. &lt;/div&gt;
  184.      </description>
  185.  <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jan 2025 07:34:37 +0000</pubDate>
  186.    <dc:creator>BELINDA BANTHAM</dc:creator>
  187.    <guid isPermaLink="false">30558 at https://news.nwu.ac.za</guid>
  188.    </item>
  189. <item>
  190.  <title>North-West University at the forefront of agricultural innovation </title>
  191.  <link>https://news.nwu.ac.za/north-west-university-forefront-agricultural-innovation</link>
  192.  <description>&lt;span&gt;North-West University at the forefront of agricultural innovation &lt;/span&gt;
  193.  
  194.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;by &lt;a href=&quot;https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Bertie&quot;&gt;Bertie Jacobs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  195.      &lt;span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;&quot; about=&quot;/user/32504&quot; typeof=&quot;schema:Person&quot; property=&quot;schema:name&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;BELINDA BANTHAM&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
  196. &lt;span&gt;Tue, 12/03/2024 - 09:44&lt;/span&gt;
  197.  
  198.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;Crop production in South Africa is overshadowed by storm clouds, and not the type that farmers crave. A multitude of uncertainties combine to darken prospects for the country’s crop farmers, which include climate change, water shortages, soil degradation, disease, economic instability and infrastructure and energy restrictions.&lt;/p&gt;
  199.  
  200. &lt;p&gt;That is why researchers at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences of the North-West University (NWU) pursue active solutions for the country’s most critical agricultural issues.&lt;/p&gt;
  201.  
  202. &lt;p&gt;To be able to do this, the NWU must remain at the forefront of innovation, and two new agriculture-oriented projects testify to the commitment of the university in this regard: the NWU AgriHub and the HVAC Growth Facility.&lt;/p&gt;
  203.  
  204. &lt;p&gt;Prof Jacques Berner, subprogramme leader, is an expert in the field of crop physiology, with a focus on photosynthesis and the adjustment of ancient grain crops to environmental stress. His expertise lies in the investigation of physiological reactions of crops to drought and extreme temperatures. He explains more about the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Growth Facility (HVAC Growth Facility): “This advanced facility will offer controlled environments that mimic various climatic conditions, including variations in temperature, light, humidity, drought and flooding. It will create the ideal environment for research on the impact of climate change on plant growth and development. By simulating different environmental variables the facility will enable researchers to study how plants react to varying light conditions, temperature stressors and water shortages. This will provide valuable insights into their resilience, adaptability and overall health in changing environmental conditions. This research can potentially make a considerable contribution to agricultural practices and strategies to mitigate climate change,” says Berner.&lt;/p&gt;
  205.  
  206. &lt;p&gt;The university is also looking beyond the immediate future at other possibilities of supporting the agricultural sector.&lt;/p&gt;
  207.  
  208. &lt;p&gt;Prof Gerhard du Preez of the Agricultural Sciences group adds: “We want to establish the NWU AgriHub of Excellence, which is located just 4 km from the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU, as a centre for agricultural innovation, research and training. This season we are starting a grain-based long-term trial and will focus on diverse agricultural systems to promote sustainable food production. Our vision is to develop solutions that will ensure food security and environmental sustainability while we bridge knowledge gaps between the academic world, the industry, the government and farmers. This centre will serve as a platform for influential research, industry&lt;/p&gt;
  209.  
  210. &lt;p&gt;cooperation and the development of agricultural systems that are designed for the challenges of the future,” Berner says.&lt;/p&gt;
  211.  
  212. &lt;p&gt;According to Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, the university is investigating the possibility of establishing a veterinary school, which will work with, among other institutions, the NWU’s subject group Animal Health, and the agricultural programme will work to make food security a priority.&lt;/p&gt;
  213.  
  214. &lt;p&gt;“In the country and in North West agriculture plays an important role in adding economic value, providing job opportunities, promoting rural development and creating food security. If we look at food security, there is currently a great need in our province and in our country, but the university has the capacity and expertise to make an appreciable difference in this sector, and we increase our involvement in the agricultural sector by further developing our partnerships with the government and the private sector,” says Prof Tyobeka.&lt;/p&gt;
  215.  
  216. &lt;p&gt;In addition to these efforts, the NWU is also looking at cooperation with the struggling agricultural colleges in the province, and considerable progress has already been made in this regard.&lt;/p&gt;
  217.  
  218. &lt;p&gt;Agriculture is one of the pillars supporting the South African economy, and the NWU is committed to ensuring that this sector is not only healthy, but also grows.&lt;/p&gt;
  219. &lt;/div&gt;
  220.      </description>
  221.  <pubDate>Tue, 03 Dec 2024 07:44:54 +0000</pubDate>
  222.    <dc:creator>BELINDA BANTHAM</dc:creator>
  223.    <guid isPermaLink="false">30501 at https://news.nwu.ac.za</guid>
  224.    </item>
  225. <item>
  226.  <title>A new era for SADiLaR: Advancing South Africa&#039;s digital language revolution</title>
  227.  <link>https://news.nwu.ac.za/new-era-sadilar-advancing-south-africas-digital-language-revolution</link>
  228.  <description>&lt;span&gt;A new era for SADiLaR: Advancing South Africa&amp;#039;s digital language revolution&lt;/span&gt;
  229.  
  230.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;by &lt;a href=&quot;https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Belinda&quot;&gt;Belinda Bantham&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  231.      &lt;span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;&quot; about=&quot;/user/32504&quot; typeof=&quot;schema:Person&quot; property=&quot;schema:name&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;BELINDA BANTHAM&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
  232. &lt;span&gt;Mon, 12/02/2024 - 11:19&lt;/span&gt;
  233.  
  234.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&quot;Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even the interpretation and use of words involves a process of free creation.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
  235.  
  236. &lt;p&gt;These words by Noam Chomsky encapsulate the core of SADiLaR’s mission - harnessing the creative potential of language and technology to shape the future of South Africa’s indigenous languages.&lt;/p&gt;
  237.  
  238. &lt;p&gt;The South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) celebrated a milestone in this journey with the official opening of its new building at North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus on 22 November 2024. This event marked a significant step towards realising the vision of ensuring a digital future for all official languages in South Africa.&lt;/p&gt;
  239.  
  240. &lt;p&gt;SADiLaR plays a pivotal role in the advancement and preservation of South Africa&#039;s under-resourced indigenous languages. Many of these languages lack the digital representation and scholarship necessary to thrive in the modern world. By enabling language-related research and localised technology development, SADiLaR creates a digital footprint for these languages, which is essential for their survival in the 21st century.&lt;/p&gt;
  241.  
  242. &lt;p&gt;&quot;Ensuring a digital future for all official languages in South Africa is SADiLaR’s key objective,&quot; Prof Langa Khumalo, SADiLaR&#039;s executive director, emphasised during the opening.  &lt;/p&gt;
  243.  
  244. &lt;p&gt;“This mission to bridge the digital divide and provide equal opportunities for all languages to flourish in the digital age is central to SADiLaR’s operations. The centre’s new building reflects this commitment, offering a physical space for innovation, research, and collaboration.”&lt;/p&gt;
  245.  
  246. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A symbol of commitment to South Africa&#039;s languages&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  247.  
  248. &lt;p&gt;The SADiLaR building is more than just a new facility. It is a concrete manifestation of the NWU’s support for SADiLaR’s mandate to promote and develop digital resources for South Africa’s official languages. The building symbolises the strategic importance of SADiLaR in growing the national science and technology landscape, with a particular focus on languages. It serves as a hub for research that will ensure a sustainable and inclusive digital future for all official languages of South Africa.&lt;/p&gt;
  249.  
  250. &lt;p&gt;During the event, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, delivered a powerful opening address. He noted that the establishment of SADiLaR’s new home aligns with the university’s broader goals of being a vibrant, inclusive, and research-driven institution committed to social justice and community impact. He stressed that the centre&#039;s focus on digital humanities and its mission to democratise access to digital language resources embody the core values of academic excellence, relevance, and innovation.&lt;/p&gt;
  251.  
  252. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Launch of the Five-Year Strategic Plan&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  253.  
  254. &lt;p&gt;One of the highlights of the event was the launch of SADiLaR’s Five-Year Strategic Plan (2024-2029), which outlines the centre&#039;s key objectives and priorities for the coming years. The plan was officially unveiled by Prof Mogomme Masoga, the chairperson of SADiLaR’s steering committee. In his address, he highlighted the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving the centre’s ambitious goals.&lt;/p&gt;
  255.  
  256. &lt;p&gt;“Without the key team members, none of this would be possible,” he said, reinforcing the collective effort required to shape a participatory and transformative digital future for South Africa’s languages.&lt;/p&gt;
  257.  
  258. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The launch of SADiLaR’s history book&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  259.  
  260. &lt;p&gt;In addition to the strategic plan, the event saw the launch of a special publication documenting SADiLaR’s eight-year history. This book not only celebrates the achievements of the centre but also serves as a permanent record of its founding vision. By grounding the future in its past, SADiLaR ensures that its journey of growth and innovation is preserved and shared as an inspiration for future generations.&lt;/p&gt;
  261.  
  262. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A tribute to SADiLaR’s founding directors&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  263.  
  264. &lt;p&gt;The unveiling of portraits of SADiLaR&#039;s founding director, Prof Justus C Roux, and his immediate successor, Prof Attie de Lange, was another key moment of the event. These portraits now grace the walls of the new building’s board room, serving as a tribute to the individuals who helped lay the foundation for the centre’s success. The unveiling ceremony was led by Clement Manoko, executive director for corporate relations and marketing, who did an exceptional job guiding the proceedings.&lt;/p&gt;
  265.  
  266. &lt;p&gt;In his speech, Prof Tyobeka described the new building as more than just a structure: “It is a space where innovation will thrive, languages will flourish, and future generations will find inspiration. This building is a symbol of possibility and progress,&quot; he said, highlighting the role of SADiLaR in fostering academic excellence and societal impact.&lt;/p&gt;
  267.  
  268. &lt;p&gt;Prof Francesco Petruccione, director of the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences, also gave an insightful presentation, offering valuable perspectives on the intersection of language, technology and research. The launch event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr Karen Calteaux, who acknowledged the collective effort that made the opening event a reality.&lt;/p&gt;
  269.  
  270. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Looking ahead&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  271.  
  272. &lt;p&gt;With the launch of its new building and strategic plan, SADiLaR is poised to grow from strength to strength. As SADiLaR’s steering committee chairperson, Prof Masoga aptly stated, “Let SADiLaR lead us and inspire us. This centre is now more equipped than ever to fulfil its mission of promoting a digital future for all South Africans, irrespective of their language background.”&lt;/p&gt;
  273.  
  274. &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
  275.  
  276. &lt;p style=&quot;margin-bottom:11px&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size:12pt&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;line-height:115%&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family:&amp;quot;Aptos&amp;quot;,sans-serif&quot;&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;EN-GB&quot; style=&quot;font-size:10.0pt&quot; xml:lang=&quot;EN-GB&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;line-height:115%&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family:&amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,sans-serif&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  277.  
  278. &lt;div class=&quot;row&quot;&gt;
  279. &lt;div class=&quot;col-sm-4&quot;&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;1&quot; class=&quot;img-responsive&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/SADiLaR%20new%20building-ICON.png&quot; title=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
  280. &lt;/div&gt;
  281.  
  282. &lt;div class=&quot;col-sm-4&quot;&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;1&quot; class=&quot;img-responsive&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/467502587_553208990858153_2839702789935296293_n.jpg&quot; title=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  283.  
  284. &lt;div class=&quot;col-sm-4&quot;&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;1&quot; class=&quot;img-responsive&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/467310260_553209097524809_6310070503476007209_n.jpg&quot; title=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
  285. &lt;/div&gt;
  286. &lt;/div&gt;
  287.  
  288. &lt;p&gt;With the launch of its new building and strategic plan, SADiLaR is poised to grow from strength to strength. &lt;span class=&quot;x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1xmvt09 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h&quot; dir=&quot;auto&quot;&gt;The opening was accompanied by the launch of their history book and strategy for the next five years (2024 - 2029)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  289. &lt;/div&gt;
  290.      </description>
  291.  <pubDate>Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:19:08 +0000</pubDate>
  292.    <dc:creator>BELINDA BANTHAM</dc:creator>
  293.    <guid isPermaLink="false">30490 at https://news.nwu.ac.za</guid>
  294.    </item>
  295. <item>
  296.  <title>Excellence Awards recognise staff who excelled in their areas of expertise</title>
  297.  <link>https://news.nwu.ac.za/excellence-awards-recognise-staff-who-excelled-their-areas-expertise</link>
  298.  <description>&lt;span&gt;Excellence Awards recognise staff who excelled in their areas of expertise&lt;/span&gt;
  299.  
  300.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;by &lt;a href=&quot;https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Willie&quot;&gt;Willie du Plessis&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  301.      &lt;span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;&quot; about=&quot;/user/32504&quot; typeof=&quot;schema:Person&quot; property=&quot;schema:name&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;BELINDA BANTHAM&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
  302. &lt;span&gt;Fri, 11/22/2024 - 08:07&lt;/span&gt;
  303.  
  304.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;The North-West University (NWU) rewarded its exceptional staff during the annual NWU Excellence Awards ceremony, which took place in Potchefstroom on 21 November.&lt;/p&gt;
  305.  
  306. &lt;p&gt;More than 130 staff members received recognition for their outstanding contributions in teaching and learning, community engagement, and research and innovation respectively.&lt;/p&gt;
  307.  
  308. &lt;p&gt;Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, congratulated the recipients. “We are honouring the dedicated and hardworking colleagues across our faculties and campuses for their cutting-edge research, innovative teaching and impactful community engagement, which are crucial pillars of our mission to connect academic excellence with social impact.”&lt;/p&gt;
  309.  
  310. &lt;p&gt;He says the awards demonstrate the commitment of NWU staff who see education as a bridge to the communities the university serves and recognise that the NWU’s work has the power to make an impactful difference to humankind and the planet.&lt;/p&gt;
  311.  
  312. &lt;p&gt;“These recognitions are a call to all of us at the NWU to continue fostering an ethos of community-centred excellence. We need to be inspired by these remarkable contributions to deepen our commitment to engagement, making our academic work ever more relevant and impactful as it is clearly articulated in our strategy document, Taking the NWU Forward: 2024 and beyond.”&lt;/p&gt;
  313.  
  314. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NWU celebrates the best of the best in teaching and learning&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  315.  
  316. &lt;p&gt;The university celebrated leading lecturers from across the faculties in seven categories for their work in taking teaching and learning to continued levels of excellence.&lt;/p&gt;
  317.  
  318. &lt;p&gt;This year’s recipients of the University Teaching Excellence Award (UTEA) were Prof Lida Holtzhausen of the Faculty of Humanities and Prof De Wet Wolmarans from the Faculty of Health Sciences.&lt;/p&gt;
  319.  
  320. &lt;p&gt;Adri Olivier (Faculty of Education) and Prof Lynndle Square (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences) each received an Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award. Elizma Visagie of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences was the recipient of the Teaching with Information and Communication Technology Award.&lt;/p&gt;
  321.  
  322. &lt;p&gt;Recipients of the Novice Teacher Award included Vernique Diedericks (Faculty of Education for best portfolio), Cila Botha (Faculty of Engineering), Sheurl Davis-Esterhuizen (Faculty of Theology), Thomas Erlank (Faculty of Humanities), Dr Rosa Modiba (Faculty of Education), Dr Zukile Ngqeza (Faculty of Theology), and Nomfundo Sibiya (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences).&lt;/p&gt;
  323.  
  324. &lt;p&gt;The Blended Teaching Award went to Dr Annamagriet de Wet of the Faculty of Education.&lt;/p&gt;
  325.  
  326. &lt;p&gt;The Team Teaching Award was presented to Dr Christiaan Bekker, Dr Christo Bisschoff, Prof Christmal Christmals, Prof Yolande Heymans, Dr Anitia Lubbe and Prof Jessica Pool, all from the Faculty of Health Sciences.&lt;/p&gt;
  327.  
  328. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Staff honoured for their community engagement excellence&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  329.  
  330. &lt;p&gt;Five champions of community engagement received their due in four categories. Lemogang Masethe of Marketing and Student Recruitment received the Engaged Teaching and Learning Award for her work in the Ikateleng Project. Dr Benita Taylor (Faculty of Health Sciences) was honoured with an Engaged Research and Innovation Award for her work on the Bafenyi Project, with Jéan-Pierre van Deventer of the Faculty of Engineering receiving the Novice Award in this category for his work on STRIDE.&lt;/p&gt;
  331.  
  332. &lt;p&gt;Prof Janelize Morelli (Faculty of Humanities) was the recipient of the Scholarship of Engagement Award for the Musikhane Community Music Engagement Programme, and Bathandekile Myeni (Faculty of Humanities) received the Discipline-based Outreach Award for the School of Music Food Bank.&lt;/p&gt;
  333.  
  334. &lt;p&gt;Tor read more about the NWU’s Community Engagement projects, visit: &lt;a href=&quot;https://services.nwu.ac.za/sustainability-community-impact&quot;&gt;https://services.nwu.ac.za/sustainability-community-impact&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  335.  
  336. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Researchers shine through expertise&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  337.  
  338. &lt;p&gt;Prof Anita Pienaar of the Faculty of Health Sciences was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Her expertise is in the longitudinal analysis of health, growth, physical activity and fitness in children. She also focuses on affordances of motor development and motor proficiency in children and the improvement of motor problems in children with differing needs aged 0 to 13 years.&lt;/p&gt;
  339.  
  340. &lt;p&gt;Prof Gabila Nubong of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences was the NWU’s Most Productive Senior Researcher, with Prof Howard Chitimira (Faculty of Law) and Prof Anél Petzer (Faculty of Health Sciences) being the first runner-up and second runner-up respectively.&lt;/p&gt;
  341.  
  342. &lt;p&gt;The Most Productive Emerging Researcher Award went to Dr Chantel Muller of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.&lt;/p&gt;
  343.  
  344. &lt;p&gt;Prof Oliver Fuo (Faculty of Law), Prof Rose Hayeshi (Faculty of Health Sciences), and Dr Fortunate Phaka (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences) received recognition for their national and international memberships.&lt;/p&gt;
  345.  
  346. &lt;p&gt;The Top Inventor Award went to Prof Byron Bunt and Dr Lance Bunt from the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences respectively.&lt;/p&gt;
  347.  
  348. &lt;p&gt;Prof Erica Derbyshire (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences) and Prof Byron Bunt (Faculty of Education) respectively received the Innovation Impact Award and the Creative Output Award.&lt;/p&gt;
  349.  
  350. &lt;p&gt;The Vice-Chancellor’s Medal went to Inge Delport (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences) and Nicola Royce (Faculty of Health Sciences). Jonathan Stephanus Troskie of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences received the S2A3 Bronze Medal.&lt;/p&gt;
  351.  
  352. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Faculty Teaching Awards give recognition for teaching excellence&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  353.  
  354. &lt;p&gt;The annual Faculty Teaching Awards, one of the NWU’s flagship initiatives, celebrate outstanding lecturers across the university&#039;s eight academic faculties. This initiative, led by the Centre for Teaching and Learning in collaboration with the faculties, highlights the NWU’s commitment to fostering an environment where teaching and learning thrive.&lt;/p&gt;
  355.  
  356. &lt;p&gt;Earlier this month, 49 exceptional academics were honoured with Faculty Teaching Awards as university lecturers by their respective faculties. These recipients represent the pinnacle of commitment and quality in teaching, and we proudly acknowledge their hard work and dedication. To further celebrate this achievement, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXMkB6kDLdc&quot;&gt;an announcement video &lt;/a&gt;was created to honour the Faculty Teaching Award winners and pay tribute to their contributions to the university’s teaching and learning landscape.&lt;/p&gt;
  357.  
  358. &lt;p&gt;The 2024 awards showcased the dedication and collaboration of various stakeholders who contributed to the programme&#039;s success. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the office of the deputy dean for Teaching and Learning, faculty-appointed coordinators, academic developers, external contributors, resource providers, administrators, and the Teaching Awards Work Group and evaluation panels in faculties. Their combined efforts ensured a rigorous and rewarding process, reflecting the university&#039;s dedication to excellence in education. For a full list of all the winners visit: &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.nwu.ac.za/sites/www.nwu.ac.za/files/files/i-news/electronic_newsletters/From-VC/2024/VCExcellence-awards-2024F.html&quot;&gt;https://www.nwu.ac.za/sites/www.nwu.ac.za/files/files/i-news/electronic…&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  359.  
  360. &lt;p&gt;&lt;iframe allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; allowfullscreen=&quot;&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;720&quot; referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/pa94_KfNwvk&quot; title=&quot;NWU Excellence Awards, 2024&quot; width=&quot;1280&quot;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  361. &lt;/div&gt;
  362.      </description>
  363.  <pubDate>Fri, 22 Nov 2024 06:07:13 +0000</pubDate>
  364.    <dc:creator>BELINDA BANTHAM</dc:creator>
  365.    <guid isPermaLink="false">30471 at https://news.nwu.ac.za</guid>
  366.    </item>
  367. <item>
  368.  <title>A special celebration during a milestone year at the NWU: Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka’s 50th birthday </title>
  369.  <link>https://news.nwu.ac.za/special-celebration-during-milestone-year-nwu-prof-mzubanzi-bismark-tyobekas-50th-birthday</link>
  370.  <description>&lt;span&gt;A special celebration during a milestone year at the NWU: Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka’s 50th birthday &lt;/span&gt;
  371.  
  372.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-field-writer field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;by &lt;a href=&quot;https://news.nwu.ac.za/news-team#Belinda&quot;&gt;Belinda Bantham&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  373.      &lt;span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;&quot; about=&quot;/user/32504&quot; typeof=&quot;schema:Person&quot; property=&quot;schema:name&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;BELINDA BANTHAM&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
  374. &lt;span&gt;Mon, 11/11/2024 - 14:45&lt;/span&gt;
  375.  
  376.            &lt;div class=&quot;field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;On 4 November 2024, the North-West University (NWU) celebrated a momentous occasion – the 50th birthday of its principal and vice-chancellor, Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka. This milestone coincided with the university’s 20th anniversary, creating a unique and symbolic double celebration. For Prof. Tyobeka, it was a day that not only marked his personal journey but also reflected the growth and transformation of the institution he has helped shape.&lt;/p&gt;
  377.  
  378. &lt;p&gt;As proud alumnus of and former student leader at the NWU, his connection to the university runs deep. His path from being a student to one of the highest offices in academia has been a testament to his vision, perseverance and leadership. The significance of his 50 years was apparent – a life dedicated to education, community and progress.&lt;/p&gt;
  379.  
  380. &lt;p&gt;Prof. Tyobeka’s birthday was made even more significant by the presence of a delegation from Austria. The delegation, led by Nkosinathi Tom, director of Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects in the vice-chancellor’s office, visited the university’s Potchefstroom Campus. They toured some of the NWU’s cutting-edge facilities, including the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) project. There, Prof. Dmitri Bessarabov, director of DSI HySA, briefed the delegation on the department’s pioneering work. The group also toured the Faculty of Health Sciences, led by Prof. Jan Steenkamp, director and associate professor at the NWU’S School of Pharmacy. The delegation was impressed by the university’s contributions to health education and research, as well as plans for the upcoming NWU Medical School. The visitors expressed their admiration for the university and the innovative projects underway, which continue to position the NWU at the forefront of global academic and research excellence.&lt;/p&gt;
  381.  
  382. &lt;p&gt;The day ended in a surprise birthday celebration for the principal and vice-chancellor that brought together senior management, staff and student leaders to honour him. As the programme director, Clement Manoko, executive director of Corporate Relations and Marketing, spoke passionately about Prof. Tyobeka’s leadership and the significant role he has played in the success of the NWU.&lt;/p&gt;
  383.  
  384. &lt;p&gt;&quot;Prof. Bismark embodies the qualities of a true leader,&quot; he said. &quot;His vision, commitment and passion for education have been a guiding force for the entire institution.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
  385.  
  386. &lt;p&gt;The event became even more emotional when the NWU choir performed a beautiful serenade for Prof. Tyobeka. Visibly moved by the heartfelt gesture, he addressed the audience with gratitude. &quot;Your presence means so much to me, and I did not expect this at all,&quot; he said, his voice filled with emotion. &quot;It is an honour to share this day with all of you.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
  387.  
  388. &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Reflecting on a journey of leadership&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  389.  
  390. &lt;p&gt;For Prof. Tyobeka, turning 50 was more than just a personal milestone. It was a moment to reflect on the journey that had brought him here – a journey that mirrors the growth of the university itself, from his early days as a student leader to becoming the principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU.&lt;/p&gt;
  391.  
  392. &lt;p&gt;Under his leadership, the NWU has transformed into a leading institution of higher learning, one that continues to chart new frontiers in research, education and community engagement.&lt;/p&gt;
  393.  
  394. &lt;p&gt;As the NWU looks to the future, Prof. Tyobeka remains focused on guiding the institution towards new heights. Under his leadership, the university will continue to innovate, inspire and create opportunities that benefit not only its students but society as a whole.&lt;/p&gt;
  395.  
  396. &lt;p style=&quot;margin-bottom:11px&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size:12pt&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;line-height:115%&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
  397.  
  398. &lt;div class=&quot;row&quot;&gt;
  399. &lt;div class=&quot;col-sm-3&quot;&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;1&quot; class=&quot;img-responsive&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/IMG_7436.png&quot; title=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;p&gt;&quot;Building bridges between Austria and South Africa! A moment captured during the campus tour with distinguished Austrian guests.&lt;/p&gt;
  400. &lt;/div&gt;
  401.  
  402. &lt;div class=&quot;col-sm-3&quot;&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;1&quot; class=&quot;img-responsive&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/DSC_1372.png&quot; title=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;p data-olk-copy-source=&quot;MessageBody&quot;&gt;Prof. Bismark and Eagi showing off their best moves.&lt;/p&gt;
  403.  
  404. &lt;p aria-hidden=&quot;true&quot;&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
  405. &lt;/div&gt;
  406.  
  407. &lt;div class=&quot;col-sm-3&quot;&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;1&quot; class=&quot;img-responsive&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/DSC_1400.png&quot; title=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was a joyous occasion.&lt;/p&gt;
  408. &lt;/div&gt;
  409.  
  410. &lt;div class=&quot;col-sm-3&quot;&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;1&quot; class=&quot;img-responsive&quot; data-entity-type=&quot;&quot; data-entity-uuid=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;/sites/news.nwu.ac.za/files/images/19.png&quot; title=&quot;&quot; /&gt;&lt;p&gt;A thoughtful gift presented to Prof. Bismark in recognition of his dedication and leadership.&lt;/p&gt;
  411. &lt;/div&gt;
  412. &lt;/div&gt;
  413. &lt;/div&gt;
  414.      </description>
  415.  <pubDate>Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:45:16 +0000</pubDate>
  416.    <dc:creator>BELINDA BANTHAM</dc:creator>
  417.    <guid isPermaLink="false">30445 at https://news.nwu.ac.za</guid>
  418.    </item>
  419.  
  420.  </channel>
  421. </rss>
  422.  

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