Announcements 2019
Confirmed incident of bacterial meningitis at NWU Potch
22 October 2019
On Monday, 21 October 2019 a fourth-year student on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Potchefstroom was admitted to a local hospital after which a case of bacterial meningitis was confirmed on Tuesday morning, 22 October 2019.
The student is not involved with a residence and all indications are that it is an isolated incident.
The hospital and the university are busy following up with all close contacts of the student. If you are unsure, visit the Health Care Centre at Building E16 to receive free prevention medicine. Meningitis vaccine is still available at a price at Building E16.
“I want to encourage all students and staff not to panic and to stay focused on the upcoming exams. The university is taking all the necessary precautionary steps to manage the situation. We will keep all students and staff timeously informed of any new developments,” says Prof Daryl Balia, deputy vice-chancellor for campus operations in Potchefstroom.
Placement targets for 2020 first-year students in NWU residences
17 September 2019
The Council of the North-West University (NWU) adopted a new 2015 to 2025 strategy in November 2015. The strategy includes values, goals, market direction decisions, an internal, external, and financial success model, as well as equity targets. The internal success model includes the directive:
“People profile (staff and students in every mode of delivery): must take cognisance of the principle that South African universities must be broadly representative of the population, with provision for measures to address the imbalances of the past.”
This provision is mandated by both our history and the Constitution of the country.
The following equity targets were approved per campus for contact students:
| Contact | 2015 | 2020 | 2025 | ||||||
| MC | PC | VTC | MC | PC | VTC | MC | PC | VTC | |
| African | 96.7% | 21.8% | 76% | 95% | 30% | 77.2% | 93% | 44% | 81% |
| Coloured | 0.9% | 4.9% | 1.4% | 1% | 7% | 1.4% | 1% | 5.6% | 1.4% |
| Indian | 0.5% | 1.5% | 1.8% | 0.6% | 2% | 1.4% | 0.6% | 1.4% | 2% |
| White | 1.8% | 71.7% | 20.6% | 3.4% | 61% | 20% | 5.4% | 49% | 15.6% |
To give effect to the strategy and to manage the enrolment plan, the University Management Committee approved the residence targets and established a task team in 2018 to ensure an alignment of processes in order to meet the strategy objectives. This was done with a view to enhance the management of the 2020 application for admission process, including residence application. The admission requirements and standards in all our faculties and programmes remain unchanged. Our residences across the three campuses must include targets which will enable us to reach the overall targets set for 2025, and the university has to embark upon the necessary implementation of plans and processes now.
In 2018, the Residence Department embarked on a process to align and improve the residence application and placement process. Some of the improvements include the implementation of an online application process and its communication capabilities. This applies to all three campuses and includes better control measures for the placement process, and the alignment of confirmation deposits for first-year students (or bursary application status) to ensure that students eventually register at the NWU.
The following seven stages of the process were reviewed and integrated:
- application process;
- processing of applications;
- placement of students in residences;
- delivery of keys;
- room request cancellations;
- waiting lists; and
- monthly control.
The 50/50 intake in residences on the Potchefstroom campus applies to first year students in 2020. The placement process for senior students will be a phased-in process and for 2020, the minimum target for black senior students in residences is 30%.
The university continuously assesses the admission of students in the faculties and its impact on residence targets. This year also saw the implementation of a functionally aligned residence placement committee for all three campuses.
Management appreciates the involvement of all relevant role players to ensure that we take the NWU forward in a responsible manner, which is fully responsive to our Council approved strategy and equity targets.
Times Higher Education ranks North-West University 5th in South Africa
11 September 2019
For the first time the North-West University (NWU) participated in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University rankings and made it to position 5 in South Africa. Globally we are ranked between 501 to 600 out of the 1396 universities which were evaluated for the 2020 rankings.
The THE World University Rankings are the only global performance tables that judge research-intensive universities across all their core missions: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook. THE uses 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators to provide the most comprehensive and balanced comparisons, trusted by students, academics, university leaders, industry and governments.
The performance indicators are grouped into five areas: Teaching (the learning environment); Research (volume, income and reputation); Citations (research influence); International outlook (staff, students and research); and Industry Income (knowledge transfer).
The NWU did the best in the area of citations where we were placed at position 375. THE research influence indicator looks at universities’ role in spreading new knowledge and ideas. It examines research influence by capturing the average number of times a university’s published work is cited by scholars globally.
The citations show how much each university is contributing to the sum of human knowledge. It is thus an indicator that the value of our research is recognised in the global scholarly community.
This announcement comes a month after the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) indicated that the NWU is indeed climbing the ladder of world-ranked universities. The NWU improved its CWUR ranking by close to 100 positions, moving from position 964 to 869, which sees it among the top 4,8% of the more than 18 000 universities evaluated worldwide. The NWU was placed at number seven in terms of CWUR’s ranking of South African universities.
“Even though ranking is not a goal that we want to pursue, the fact that we improve in the ranking is just a confirmation that we are making progress towards achieving our dream to be an internationally recognised university in Africa, distinguished for engaged scholarship, social responsiveness and an ethic of care.”, Prof Dan Kgwadi, vice-chancellor remarked.
The vice-chancellor thanked all staff for their contribution in ensuring that we live up to our purpose to excel in innovative teaching-learning and cutting-edge research that benefits society.
Possession and use of cannabis/dagga on NWU campuses are prohibited
16 August 2019
- The use or smoking of cannabis/dagga in public (openly), and
- The purchasing, selling or dealing in cannabis/dagga.
- No staff member or student may consume, smoke, distribute, purchase, sell or have in his/her possession cannabis/dagga while present on university or university-controlled premises or at a university-related function or activity or at any location or in circumstances where he or she represents or is seen to represent the university or where he/she is identified as a staff member or student of the university;
- Any use of cannabis/dagga in whatever form or manner for recreational purposes or for any other purpose on university or university-controlled premises is strictly prohibited;
- University staff and students are prohibited from possessing, consuming, cultivating or smoking cannabis/dagga on the NWU premises, at the university residences or university-controlled premises;
- Any student who fails to comply or is found to have contravened these instructions, or any rule, procedure or regulations of the NWU may be charged with misconduct and will be dealt with in accordance with the university’s Student Disciplinary Rules.
- Any staff member who fails to comply or is found to have contravened these instructions, or any rule, procedure or regulations of the NWU may be charged with misconduct and will be dealt with in accordance with the university’s Behavioural Policy.
NWU Management’s response: Mr and Miss NWU Mahikeng Campus
14 August 2019
The management of the North-West University has taken a decision in regard to the outcome of the holding of a Mr and Miss NWU pageant at the university’s Mahikeng campus on 10 August 2019.
This event took place within the context of the Gender Awareness Week that is scheduled to take place later in August. The organisers decided to raise awareness and celebrate diversity within the NWU by adopting the theme of “diversity and LGBTQI+.” This meant that participants of various genders could choose the category in which they preferred to participate. The good intention to raise awareness about human rights, and promote an inclusive environment are applauded.
Despite these intentions, the organisers retained the traditional binaries of male and female (Mr and Miss NWU Mahikeng Campus). The retention of these binaries within the context of the event’s theme and objectives was an oversight by the organisers. Therefore, we will engage with relevant stakeholders on the matter to ensure that we attain a more inclusive approach by renaming the event and the titles of the winners; and ensuring articulation with similar events on other campuses and nationally.
We urge all our stakeholders to respect the rights of all our students and staff and condemn the abuse directed towards any of them. Our Student Life Department will engage with stakeholders on a broader transformation process in line with our strategy, “to transform and position the NWU as a unitary institution of superior academic excellence, with a commitment to social justice”, and within the framework of national legislation and policies.
Communique from the NWU management to ODL Students (as derived from the NWU Resolution)
24 June 2019
We are aware of the challenges that our ODL students experienced in Semester 1, 2019 and we are working on resolving these challenges with a sense of urgency, while ensuring that no ODL student is adversely affected.
Normally, your final mark (Module Mark) comprises of the Participation Mark and the Examination Mark. Owing to the challenges experienced, the NWU resolved that:
- The final mark will only comprise of the exam paper mark if the mark is 50% and above.
- When there is confirmation of a Participation Mark that may improve the final mark, it will be counted towards the final mark.
- In instances where the Participation Mark impacts negatively on the final mark, it will not count and only the exam mark (50%+) will be used.
This resolution of the NWU applies only to the May-June Examinations of 2019. A toll-free sms line 33139, or student@odl.mynwu.info can be used for any queries or to share your UODL experience with us.
Nominate candidates for students' campus councils
4 June 2019
Notice to all contact students of the North-West University (NWU): Nomination of students to serve on the respective student campus councils (SCCs)
Only enrolled full-time contact students of the NWU may nominate suitably qualified students to serve on the respective Student Campus Councils (SCCs).
Please take note of the following conditions as stipulated in the NWU Statute as well as the SRC Constitution (schedule 2, page 10), regarding the eligibility of candidates for nomination:
A person may be nominated and elected to an SCC if the candidate:
- qualifies to vote in the election;
- is a registered student of the NWU enrolled for a programme leading to a qualification;
- has passed 70% of the modules prescribed for the curriculum of the qualification for which the candidate was enrolled in the semester preceding the election;
- is registered for 60% of the modules prescribed for the curriculum of the qualification for which the candidate is enrolled in the current academic year;
- has not been registered, or will not seek to be registered for a period beyond the maximum duration of the study concerned;
- has served for a full term, or is serving in the current term, in a leadership position within the organised student community of the university, and
- To qualify for nomination and election to the position of chairperson of an SCC, the candidate must have served for a full term as a member of the SCC concerned.
- To qualify for nomination and election to the position of Distance Students Officer, the candidate must be available to participate in all the meetings and activities of the SRC.
A person is disqualified from nomination as a candidate for election to an SCC if:
- such person is enrolled in the first year of an undergraduate programme;
- such person has already served more than two full terms in an SCC;
- a conflict of interest may arise if elected;
- such person has been found guilty in terms of the student disciplinary rules of the university and given a sentence without the option of a fine, or
- such person has a criminal record.
Nominations and applications
Nominations and applications must be completed in the prescribed format and preferably submitted via email before/on the closing date to the office of the respective Campus Director Student Life:
- Mahikeng Campus: Mr Jim Molautsi (jim.molautsi@nwu.ac.za)
- Potchefstroom Campus: Dr Corrie Rheeder (corrie.rheeder@nwu.ac.za)
- Vanderbijlpark Campus: Mr Jacob Simango (jacob.simango@nwu.ac.za)
Note that completed nomination and application forms may also be submitted in hard copy before/on the closing date to the offices of the respective directors:
- Mahikeng Campus: Mr Jim Molautsi, Building 1A, Office 205
- Potchefstroom Campus: Dr Corrie Rheeder, Building F1, Office 135
- Vanderbijlpark Campus: Mr Jacob Simango, Building 25, Office G27
Download the nomination and election schedule for all three campuses.
Water supply restored
18 May 2019
Please note that the municipal water supply is now restored.
Disruption in water supply: Status and measures
17 May 2019
The following measures will be introduced during the day/next days – please refer to this drawing to view the different areas:
AREA 1: We are disappointed with water saving in this area. Since 17:30 yesterday evening until 4:00 this morning, approximately 600 000 litres of water was consumed here. The Measures are as follows:
- Temporary toilets will be provided in the proximity of Building F5 and the cafeteria (Lover’s Lane).
- Water containers will be provided at buildings F5, E8, G20 and G1 to manually service the toilets on the ground floors of these buildings.
AREA 2: Temporary water containers will be placed at buildings to service the main toilets on the ground floors.
AREA 3: Temporary water containers will be placed at buildings to service the main toilets on the ground floors. Residence Department to service toilets at Klawerhof and Oosterhof.
AREA 4: Current measures will remain in place. (Temporary water will be supplied to the toilets of Buildings F20, and F21 - not suitable for drinking.) Users in this area are commended for using water sparingly.
AREA 5: The reservoir is now depleted; staff will be required to make use of toilet facilities in Building C1.
AREA 6: Current measures will remain in place. (Temporary water containers will be placed and serviced at residences - water not suitable for drinking.)
AREA 7: Current measures will remain in place. (Temporary water containers will be placed and serviced at residences - water not suitable for drinking.)
AREA 8: Current measures will remain in place. (Toilets in Building C1 will be operational - water not suitable for drinking.) Users in this area are commended for using water sparingly.
AREA 9: The emergency water storage is now depleted. Water containers will be placed at Minjonet to service toilets on the ground floor. Toilets to be serviced by Residence department cleaning staff. Water not suitable for drinking.
AREA 10: Current measures will remain in place (the toilets in Buildings C5, C6 and C2 will be operational - not suitable for drinking.) Residences in this area will be serviced by Residence Department staff.
AREA 11: Water containers will be placed on the ground floor of the building. Toilets to be serviced by Residence Department cleaning contractors.
AREA 12: Current measures will remain in place. (The toilets in Building B14A will be operational - not suitable for drinking.) Staff in this area are commended for using water sparingly.
AREA 13, 14, 15 AND 16: Current measures will remain in place:
- (Area 13: Kom-en-Gaan - water not suitable for drinking or shower/bath.)
- (Area 14 and 15: Temporary water containers will be placed and serviced at residences - water not suitable for drinking.)
- (Area 16: VMN & WNB - water not suitable for drinking or shower/bath.)
General remarks
- There is currently no specific indication when the municipal water supply to the town will be restored.
- Although we retain a significant capacity of irrigation water on the campus, there are currently no plans to connect this system to the freshwater system due to possible health risks in this regard.
- The excessive after-hours water consumption (approximately 600 000 litres in Area 1) is alarming and will be investigated to limit emergency water supply after hours.
Water supply not yet restored
17 May 2019
Due to the fact that the upgrading done by the municipality has not been finished yet, the interruption in the water supply will continue until further notice. You are urgently requested to use water extremely sparingly. The main part of the campus might be affected the most since water usage was higher than it should have been. All possible arrangements are being made to ensure that taps do not run dry. Please make sure that all taps are closed to avoid flooding when the water supply is restored. You will be informed of any new developments.
For any enquiries please contact:
Administrative and academic buildings:
- Mark Greeff x99 2217
- Marco van Rooyen x99 2736
Residences and kitchens:
- Greg Roberts x99 1115
- Martin Oosthuizen x99 2217
- Wilma Lotriet x99 1128
Interruption in municipal water supply
16 May 2019
On Thursday 16 May 2019 there will be an interruption in municipal water supply from 08:00 until midnight, affecting all properties on the west side of the Mooi River.
This means that the campus will also be affected. Rest assured that we have put certain measures in place. Kindly refer to this drawing which indicate the measures that will be introduced on various areas of the campus:
Area 1 - The construction of a large reservoir servicing the central campus (marked as Section 1 on the drawing) has recently been completed. This will enable academic and other functions in this area to function without interruption. Students and staff are however requested to limit water use as far as possible. All toilet facilities located in this area will be available to students and staff working or residing in other areas.
Limited water storage capacity are available at the following buildings, enabling users to use toilet facilities and wash hand basins as usual:
The construction of a second reservoir that will service the southern side of the main campus is currently in progress. The following interim measures will be introduced to ensure that toilet facilities will be available within the following areas:
A large number of municipal water connections currently exist for buildings located in other areas of the campus, as well as off-campus academic and residence facilities:
VERY IMPORTANT:
For any enquiries please contact:
Administrative and academic buildings:
- Mark Greeff x99 2217
- Marco van Rooyen x99 2736
Residences and kitchens:
- Greg Roberts x99 1115
- Martin Oosthuizen x99 2217
- Wilma Lotriet x99 1128
NSFAS
January to March 2019
Struggling to update your contact details on the myNSFAS portal?
Check this video out to find out how you can update your details #nsfasSquad
How to create your NSFAS account
Important notice for approved NSFAS students
7 March 2019
All approved NSFAS students have already received an upfront payment of R5 000 for books and R275 for living expenses. On the 1st & 2nd of March, another payment of R 1 000 was made to cover food and travel allowances.
Submission of lease agreements have closed on all campuses and we are therefore now in a position to identify the students who qualify for meal allowances and those that qualify for travel allowances. We are busy to process payments for the remainder of February and March. This amounts to R1 605 for food allowances to all students staying in residences and students staying in private accommodation. Students qualifying for travel allowances will receive R725. The payments will be made as soon as possible.
NSFAS students awaiting the outcome of appeals will still be allowed to submit their lease agreements and allowances will be made accordingly.
First-year Registration and Orientation meal deductions and senior students exceeding their NSFAS capped amount will be corrected over the remaining months of April until November.
Status on NSFAS cash allowances
7 February 2019
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Cash allowances for 12 548 registered NSFAS Students were already transfered to Fundi for cash payouts of which 9 385 were successfully transfered to students' bank accounts, bringing the total payout to more than 75% of registered NSFAS students. However more than 3 000 students have not yet submitted their banking details.
Allowances for a further 3 617 registered NSFAS students will be transfered today to Fundi for payouts.
All students who have not submitted their banking details on the Fundi website yet, are requested to urgently do so to allow for the process to be completed.
Students who need assistance should go to the Student Accounts and Bursaries Office on their campus.
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NSFAS completes review of rejected applications and prepares for appeals
23 January 2019
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has completed all assessments of the 2019 applications of first time entering students. Of the 417 000 applications received, more than 300 000 students have been declared approved, pending registration at public institutions for NSFAS funded qualifications. Read more
Important information for NSFAS students
18 January 2019
Important information for NSFAS students! Please download and read the document relevant to you:
- FTEN students (students that enrolled for the first time at a Higher Education Institution)
- Senior continuing students
- Senior students that applied for the first time for NSFAS and were approved
- Guidelines for the DHET bursary scheme
- DHET Bursary scheme allowances for contact university students in 2019
Dear Applicant
8 January 2019
Kindly note the North-West University will no longer accept any new applications for the 2019 study year. The University is currently evaluating applications received within the time frame allocated for 2019 applications during 2018. Applicants who have successfully applied for the 2019 study year have been informed of such. The University holds a duty towards these students who applied within the allocated time frame, and who satisfied the academic requirements of their chosen fields of study.
Included below are the contact details for each campus. Please feel free to contact the University after Friday, 25 January 2019 in order to ascertain whether spots have opened up at the relevant campus, faculty and school where you would like to apply.
We trust that you appreciate the view of the University in this regard.
Contact Details:
Statement by Minister of Higher Education and Training
8 January 2019
Statement by Minister of Higher Education and Training on the call to scrap registration fees, encourage walk-ins at universities, and bring the university system to a standstill. Read more...