NWU’s Mahikeng Campus Science Centre receives another mobile lab
The Science Centre on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus recently received its second state-of-the-art mobile science laboratory, courtesy of the Sasol Foundation.
The mobile lab, which is fitted with science equipment, will be shared by several disadvantaged schools around Mahikeng in a bid to strengthen the teaching of science.
“The Sasol Foundation views itself as a vehicle through which it can be a catalyst for change in our communities and society at large,” says Vusi Cwane, head of the Sasol Foundation.
The NWU and its stakeholders lend a helping hand
North-West University (NWU), together with its stakeholders, understands that students need a helping hand to achieve their goals and dreams during these challenging times.
While teaching and learning have moved online at most universities, thousands of students across the country find themselves without the necessary equipment to successfully continue with their studies.
Since the start of the Covid-19 lockdown, the NWU and its stakeholders have been committed to making the lives and learning experiences of students easier.
The NWU’s finances during Covid-19
Over the past number of years there has been a decrease in funding in real terms from the government to universities across the country.
The Covid-19 pandemic has not only created a lot of panic and uncertainty, but also magnified and exacerbated the mounting financial pressure on institutions of higher learning.
To this end, institutions have had to find creative ways to generate income and manage their cash flow.
Ikateleng helping students get distinctions
Sabata Abram Mafobokoane, who was part of the Ikateleng initiative in 2020, made headlines after attaining eight distinctions for his National Senior Certificate. Ikateleng has been in existence for approximately 33 years and provides supplementary teaching in mathematics, economics, business studies, accounting, life sciences, physical sciences and English to high school learners from Grade 10 to Grade 12.
Sabata, who was a learner at Poelano Secondary School in Evaton, Gauteng, started attending Ikateleng on 1 February 2020.
A story of hope
For the past four years the Hillensberg Trust has been making the dreams of several North-West University (NWU) students come true.
The trust was established in the late 1970s and the bursary grant was launched in 2017. Since its inception, students at the NWU have received bursaries to the value of R5 million.
The trust funds students who are studying towards a qualification in the fields of medicine, technology, visual arts or music. It targets students who have enrolled for a second qualification, as well as missing middle students – those who can’t afford university fees but do not qualify for NSFAS funding.
In this together
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted how organisations, institutions and people across the globe need to support each other - now more than ever. The North-West University (NWU) has been fortunate to receive donations from various businesses, alumni and friends over the years, and especially during lockdown.
To thank its donors for their immense contribution, the NWU recently hosted a dinner for the NWU Board of Donors in Johannesburg. During the event the board was also updated on latest NWU developments, and two new members were elected.
Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations said the NWU is still a contact university and the recent pandemic has proved that everyone should focus on reskilling themselves for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She added that the university is working on offering more short courses and micro programmes that will help people reskill themselves.
Prof Du Plessis thanked the board for their donations and contributions, and added that students who have been assisted with donations and bursaries should pay it forward, which in turn will give the next generation of students’ access to higher education.
NWU secures laptop donation
With the world facing an unprecedented challenge in the form of the global Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen stakeholders coming together to combat this pandemic.
The North-West University (NWU) played its part by supporting students with laptops while also offering support to staff and communities surrounding its campuses.
To further assist our students with their studies, the Bakubung Platinum mine made a donation of twenty laptops to the university on 5 February 2021.
With excitement and after accepting the laptop donation on behalf of the NWU, Prof Daryl Balia, Deputy Vice-chancellor for Information Technology and Potchefstroom Campus Operations explained that along with the support of Council, the university is fast tracking the implementation of the NWU Digital Business Strategy. From this year, all first year students are expected to have access to a device, ordinarily a laptop. And therefore the donation came at the right time.
NWU brand stores prove that charity does indeed begin at home
With the world facing an unprecedented challenge in the form of the global Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen everyone coming together to combat this pandemic. The North-West University (NWU) played its part and recently launched the NWU Covid-19 Response Fund as a means of supporting students with laptops/devices while also offering support to staff and all communities surrounding its campuses.
Following this, the NWU brand stores showed their commitment by making a donation of R70 000 towards this fund.
Thanks Sanlam! Almost R10 million to strengthen NWU Ikateleng project
Although the North-West University (NWU) is dedicated to academic excellence and superior research, it is also committed to bettering people’s lives in the communities it serves.
One way the NWU has been paying it forward is through its successful Ikateleng project that has been contributing to the development of discerning learners for the past 32 years.
Well-known insurance, investment and financial planning company Sanlam noted Ikateleng’s great success and have been supporting this deserving project by donating of close to R10 million. In 2019 the Ikateleng project received R 2,2m, and this year Sanlam will donate R 3,5m. An estimated R 3,75m will be donated for 2021.
Another successful Ikateleng project for the NWU
The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Ikateleng project has been empowering school children from disadvantaged backgrounds for the past 32 years. The NWU launched the 2019 Ikateleng project in Potchefstroom, Vanderbijlpark, Mahikeng and Lichtenburg Read more
Ikateleng – which means empower yourself – provides supplementary teaching in mathematics, economics, business studies, accounting, life science, physical science and English to high school learners from Grade 10 to 12. In 2019, 500 learners enrolled in the Ikateleng project.
Learners shine through NWU’s Ikateleng project
When Grade 12 graduates of the Ikateleng project sit for their matric exams, they can be confident that the North-West University (NWU) has given them the tools to empower themselves.