As a leading teaching-learning and research institution with a footprint that spans two of South Africa’s provinces, North-West University recognises that it has a responsibility to ensure that the wealth of knowledge generated via the university’s three campuses is harnessed to the benefit of the community it serves. More importantly, though, we acknowledge that had it not been for the generous support and rich material generated by the very communities we serve, we would not have been able to gain recognition as an institution of higher learning that harnesses diversity and pursues innovation with the specific intent to make a meaningful difference in South Africa and the world.

Furthermore, as much as the university's academic pursuits can and will benefit its communities and society at large, we firmly believe that neither knowledge-generating nor knowledge-sharing should be a one-sided affair.

Thus, as much as we share our research findings and innovative ideas with society in general, we make it our business to engage with our communities to learn from and be taught by them. In fact, North-West University's core business activities can only be regarded as significant and sustainable if we, as the academic partner, succeed in actively engaging with our communities of interest and communities of practice to ensure that both the university’s expertise and the rich experiences of the people we serve are put to best possible use.