Campus hosts second wellness day

The Vaal Triangle Campus community recently had the opportunity to address issues pertaining to health and wellness during the Campus’ second wellness day. During this event staff and students benefited from several information sessions and health screening opportunities. Some of the prominent health issues addressed included tuberculosis (TB) and cancer.

Campus embraces Casual Day 2012

On 7 September 2012 the Campus community of the North-West University Vaal Triangle Campus (NWU Vaal) joined hands to contribute towards South Africa’s biggest fundraising project for persons with disabilities – Casual Day.

Annual alumni reunion evoke nostalgia

Alumni members of the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) recently donned their dancing shoes for a rock theatrical tribute to the legendary Freddie Mercury and the band, Queen.

Campus crowns first-ever Mr and Miss NWU Vaal

It was a night of glitz and glamour and quite befitting if you take into account that the crowning of the first-ever Mr & Miss NWU Vaal represented a new high point in the history of the Vaal Triangle Campus.

Campus plays host to unique motor show

It was an exhibition of vehicles, implements and engines of yesteryear and everyone that visited the annual Wheels at the Vaal motor show is in agreement:  this remains one of the highlights on the regional events calendar.

Business Competition tests entrepreneurial savvy

After months of extensive training, the time has finally arrived to find out who will walk away as the ultimate entrepreneur on the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal).

Library hosts very successful talent show

If ever you thought that there is nothing more to a library than books, information and librarians – think again! The Vaal Triangle Campus Library recently hosted its second talent show-off and judging by the overwhelming response from the student community, this annual event is set to become a proud library tradition.

SGI-SA to host first-ever LAN challenge

The Urban Dictionary defines a LAN Party as “a social gathering, usually male-dominated, involving massive caffeine consumption and nearly constant playing of computer games.

Campus strengthens international ties with Beijing

The signing of an international collaboration agreement between the North-West University (NWU) and the Beijing Foreign Studies University is set to further enhance the NWU’s endeavour to be an internationally recognised institution of higher learning.

A helping hand is never out of reach - ADS

Change is inevitable, especially for young school leavers finding themselves in the unknown environment of tertiary education. At the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) a vested mentorship programme represents one of the crucial steps in addressing change in a pro-active and successful manner.

Winter Warmer initiative for international students

With temperatures reaching below zero the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) is currently in the grip of a fierce winter cold, but not even a light downpour of snow could deter the international student community to enjoy an interactive Winter Warmer initiative.

NWU Vaal Rugby at ‘Wits’ end

The Vaal Triangle Campus recently played host to the rugby team of the University of the Witwatersrand for a highly anticipated Predator League fixture.  Both the first and the second rugby teams of the Campus had to take it on the chin as they both slumped to defeats – although in vastly different fashions.

Close but no cigar for NWU Vaal men’s hockey

“It is like kissing your sister!” This was the view from most of the players from the NWU Vaal men’s hockey team after they shared the spoils with the Vanderbijlpark Hockey Club in a 1-1 draw at the Isak Steyl Stadium (VUT) recently.

Community outreach project focuses on the value of education

It is said that the best example of leadership, is leadership by example. The student community of the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) recently took heed of the call to action by the Student Representative Council (SRC) and united for a good and worthwhile cause.

Heinrich to lead alumni advisory committee

The name Heinrich Kriel is synonymous with the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University. His relationship with the Campus dates back to the 1980’s when he started his studies in engineering; was one of the first hostel students (in a group of only 25) to reside on campus; completed a stint in different levels of student leadership and graduated in 1990.

Academic staff members gear-up for ITEA 2012

It is said that the aim of every teacher should be, not to impart his/her own opinions, but to kindle minds. In light of this, several academic staff members have signed up for the annual Institutional Teaching Excellence Award (ITEA) and through their participation they will further develop and enhance their teaching skills and practices.

Campus receives award of excellence – Global Business Roundtable

The Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) has added yet another prestigious accolade to its trophy cabinet. The campus was recently awarded with a Global Business Roundtable (GBR) Excellence Award and subsequently joins the GBR’s global network of business people, professionals and industry.

Donors breakfast another first for Vaal Triangle Campus

“I once heard an elderly man say that it takes a lot of time to make money but that the truly tough time comes when one has to give that money away.” With these words, Prof Thanyani Mariba, Campus Rector, welcomed representatives of business and industry, corporate professionals and alumni to the campus’s first ever Donors Breakfast as hosted by the newly established Fundraising Office. 

NWU Vaal trumps UJ on the Astroturf

The NWU Vaal women’s first team recorded their second victory of the season after cruising to a 5-2 win over University of Johannesburg (UJ) C at the VUT Astroturf earlier in the month.  Their first victory came after they beat Kempton Park by 2 goals to 1.

NWU Vaal Rugby under 21’s ravages Roodepoort

The NWU Vaal Rugby under 21’s are off to a great start in the 2012 Predator league after racking up their second consecutive win in as many games by beating Roodepoort by 48-12. The match took place on the NWU Vaal’s rugby ground on the 5th of May, and coincided with the campus’s annual Open Day.

Campus Sport shines under Open Day’s spotlight

Sport is a powerful tool to create unity among our campus’ diverse community. This statement was illustrated perfectly at the annual Open Day of the Vaal Triangle Campus, as a multitude of different sporting codes were on display. By the sheer amount of trophies on display, it is easy to see that the campus’s sporting activities are growing in leaps and bounds. The campus offers students the opportunity to practice a variety of sports such as rugby, cricket, netball, hockey, soccer, chess, body building and even rowing and canoeing.

Global skills exchanged

Global cooperation and solidarity are of fundamental importance for institutions of higher learning not only towards achieving quality in higher education but also in reducing the gap in development by increasing knowledge transfer. In light of this the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) recently entered into an international cooperation agreement with the Molde University College in Norway.

Time to take responsibility – HIV/Aids Candlelight Memorial Service

Several staff and students of the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) recently attended the HIV/Aids Candlelight Memorial Service to showcase their support to those who are infected.

Campus salutes first-ever Social Work graduates

Three years after the inception of the Social Work subject group on the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) the first intake of students recently received their degrees. The May graduation ceremony saw ten Social Work students graduate – two of them with distinction.

Graduates join alumni fraternity

The Alumni Office of the Vaal Triangle Campus recently welcomed more than 800 graduates into the fold during the May graduation ceremonies.  During the May graduation ceremonies – also referred to as the Autumn ceremonies a total of 88 certificates, 41 diplomas, 691 degrees, 14 masters and 11 doctorates were conferred.

Campus bids student leader farewell

The 26th of April will henceforth be known as ‘Sasha Day’ on the annual calendar of the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal). This announcement was made by the Director of Student Affairs, Mr Jacob Simango, during a very emotional remembrance service that was recently held for the late Ms Sasha Westcott – a student leader who passed away after a long illness.

Professor delivers inaugural lecture

The Faculty of Economic Sciences and Information Technology on the Vaal Triangle Campus recently congratulated Prof Etienne Barnard on delivering his inaugural lecture.

UARM to provide postgraduate risk management education

Vaal Triangle Campus – The Faculty of Economic Sciences and Information Technology on the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University recently introduced a new Unit for Applied Risk Management (UARM) to provide risk management education at postgraduate level aimed at experienced employees across all sectors.

The importance of risk management education cannot be overstated. News stories daily describe the impact of risks that were not adequately identified or addressed. Risk-related news events range from the global financial crisis to potential nuclear meltdown in Japan, to flooding in Mpumalanga, the downing of tools by trade unions and even the latest debacle about the e-tolling system in Gauteng. Unidentified and unresolved risk impacts all aspects of our lives.

Students read their residences to victory

According to the World Literacy Foundation (WLF) illiteracy has major social and economic consequences on a person’s life. The inability to read can be directly linked to poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and crime and it is furthermore estimated that 796 million people in the world are illiterate, whilst many more struggle to read to a satisfactory level.  

Faculty applaud academic achievers

It is said that patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success, and after the recent Academic Achiever Award Ceremony of the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Information Technology on the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal), the saying seems to ring true.

Campus bleeds for a good cause

Staff and students of the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University recently took time of from their busy schedules to take part in a blood drive hosted by the South African Blood Services (SANBS).

According to SANBS spokesperson, Ms Melissa Baqwa, each unit of blood donated can save the lives of three people.  One unit of blood amounts to 475 ml.

In the hot seat with Ruda Landman

Hold on to your fundamental belief in your work and relax! With these words a number of researchers from the Vaal Triangle Campus (NWU Vaal) recently undertook a challenge of a different kind – they ventured into the fast paced media world with none other than Ruda Landman as their guide.
 

Media veteran, Ruda Landman’s career spans more than 30 years.

NWU Vaal women’s cricket looks to make it two in a row

The NWU Vaal women’s cricket team is flying the campus’s flag high, and is diligently raising the bar for women’s cricket in general, after a very successful season in which they are still undefeated after playing all their regular season games.

Committee to represent NWU Vaal Alumni fraternity

Ask any one of the members of the newly constituted Vaal Triangle Campus’s Alumni Advisory Committee what they think is better than being a student and they will unanimously answer you - being an alumnus! The Campus’s Alumni Office recently achieved yet another milestone when the first-ever Alumni Advisory Committee was constituted. This committee represents the Campus’s strong and vibrant professional network of over 10 000 members, located around the globe.

Campus signs international cooperation agreement

It is often claimed that internationalisation lies at the very nature of institutions of higher learning since universities produce knowledge; knowledge that is inherently universal and thus transcends country boundaries.  

Campus Rector honoured for community involvement

Vanderbijlpark  -   “Your path from a humble beginning into greatness has touched the hearts and the hungry stomachs of the people in need whilst your leadership skills and generous devotion to empowerment characterise you as a man with a strong sense of purpose”.  With these words, the Calvary Christian Church of South Africa paid homage to Prof Thanyani Mariba – Campus Rector of the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University, for his continued contribution to the upliftment and empowerment of local communities. 

This prestigious award – focusing on the role that Prof Thanyani layed as a health care specialist, not only recognises his commitment towards cultivating a better life for all South Africans but also serve as a motivation for those who wish to follow in his footsteps.

International students home at the Vaal Triangle Campus

The Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) is home to more than 70 international students representing 20 countries around the globe. Since the inception of the first-ever International Office on the campus during June 2011, this division has engaged students from all over the world – be it to start their undergraduate studies, to consider postgraduate studies or to apply for doctoral fellowships.
 

During a recent meet-and-greet event hosted by the International Office, students were welcomed back into the fold for the new academic year. This event was organised by Angelique van Rensburg (far right), the campus’s International Liaison Officer.

Students get dirty in aid of charity

What do you get when you combine 1834 first year students with 160 litre of paint, brooms, shovels and an almost tangible sense of excitement and enthusiasm? The answer is easy: a community outreach project unlike anything you have ever experienced.

Subject Group takes a stand to end modern-day slavery

The Subject Group of Political Science on the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) recently joined the international initiative to end modern-day slavery. The CNN Freedom Project - a brain child of the global news agency, CNN, is aimed at raising much needed attention to the plight of modern-day slaves.

According to statistics a total of between 600,000 and 800,000 human beings are captured and transported across international borders every year. It is furthermore estimated that there are at least 10 million slaves in the world today – more than any point in human history.