Vice-chancellor news

NWU hosts US Consul General in Potchefstroom by Willie du Plessis BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 08/22/2025 - 14:33

The North-West University (NWU) continues to strengthen its international networks in line with its strategy, Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond. Central to this vision is the commitment of the institution to global partnerships, academic excellence and societal impact.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, welcomed Stephanie Bunce, the newly appointed United States (US) Consul General, and her delegation to the Potchefstroom Campus on 21 August. The visit reflected on longstanding collaborations between the NWU and several American universities, including the University of Arizona and the North Carolina State University.

One of the main purposes of the visit by the US Consul General and her team was to explore opportunities for continued engagement with the NWU through key university partnership initiatives. This also include the Fulbright Scholarship – a prestigious international academic exchange programme sponsored by the United States government. Through the programme, American scholars contribute to South African universities, while South African faculty and students gain access to study and research opportunities in the US. The NWU currently holds two of only ten Fulbright Scholarship positions allocated nationally.

Consul General Bunce noted her appreciation for the established partnerships of the NWU with leading American institutions and expressed confidence that further areas of cooperation could indeed be developed.

Prof Tyobeka underscored the importance of international collaboration as a strategic priority. He said that the university values its relationship with the US, particularly in advancing higher education, research and people-to-people exchanges. “We cannot exist as an ivory tower, and the US is strategically very important for us.”

The teams identified several focus areas for collaboration. These include agricultural research, public health, nuclear engineering, mining and medical sciences. In this regard, particular emphasis was placed on opportunities with the University of Arizona as well as the North Carolina Research Triangle institutions. They also highlighted opportunities linked to the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine at the NWU, covering training, healthcare delivery and funding. Additional possibilities include cooperation in high-performance sport, digital humanities and the implementation of microcredentials.

The US consulate further expressed willingness to act as a connector between the NWU and American business networks, strengthening academic, cultural and professional ties.

To learn more about some of the collaborations between the NWU and US universities, visit: https://news.nwu.ac.za/nwu-has-spring-its-north-carolina-state-universi…, https://news.nwu.ac.za/back-future-north-carolina-state-university and https://international.arizona.edu/news/north-west-university-delegation….

Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, welcomed Stephanie Bunce, the new US Consul General, and her team to the Potchefstroom Campus.

The teams from the NWU and US consulate during the visit on 21 August.

A chance for change or a missed opportunity? Researchers must choose now BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 08/22/2025 - 08:00

By Gofaone Motsamai

Research is at a crossroads, but the choice facing researchers is clear: make a difference to the world’s most pressing problems or be relegated to irrelevance.

“We are reminded that the decisions we make regarding the type of research we prioritise will either be the turning point towards a more sustainable and equitable world, or a missed opportunity by which history will judge us harshly,” said Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) at the opening of NWU Research and Innovation (R&I) Week.

The event, taking place from 18 to 22 August at the Mmabatho Convention Centre, is being held under the theme “Transdisciplinary and transformative research: building sustainable futures”.

Academics, postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, industry partners and stakeholders are gathering throughout the week for debates, workshops, poster exhibitions and keynote sessions. The programme includes Postgraduate Day, Postdoctoral Day and Research Security Day, all linked to the theme.

This generation must end poverty and address climate change

In his keynote address, Prof. Tyobeka stressed the role of research in addressing societal issues.

Quoting former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, he said: “Ours can be the first generation to end poverty, and the last generation to address climate change before it is too late.”

He reflected on the need for increased national investment in research: “The South African Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators Report shows that our nation’s gross domestic expenditure on research and development is still marginally under 1% of the national GDP. This is a reality that demands renewed commitment and strategic investment. It is far below Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries’ average of over 2%.”

He pointed to the role of universities in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “All of us must be aware of the SDGs, and the crucial role that the higher education sector has in co-creating knowledge and innovations that allow progress in all the 17 goals.”

Sharing the NWU’s current position within the higher education sector, Prof. Tyobeka said the university has over 58 000 students, of whom 12% are postgraduates. The aim is to increase that proportion to 20%.

Cross-border collaboration is crucial

He also touched on the importance of cross-border partnerships. “Internationalisation at the NWU is not incidental; it has emerged as one of our foremost strategic priorities. We engage deliberately with partner institutions all over the world, including but not limited to Europe, Asia, North and South America and across the African continent.”

Prof. Tyobeka referred to the Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence initiative, which has produced thousands of graduates and research outputs across the continent. “These figures are compelling evidence that strategic, cross-border collaboration delivers tangible results, and we must pursue it with even greater intent,” he said.

In closing, he said the university’s actions should be guided by the theme of NWU R&I Week: “Our theme, ‘Transdisciplinary and transformative research: building sustainable futures,’ cannot be allowed to remain in the realm of rhetoric. It must be embedded as the organising principle of how we teach, how we research, and how we serve society.”

Let us all remember that the measure of this gathering will not be in the words we speak here, but in the boldness of the actions we take when we leave this room.”

NWU principal and vice-chancellor Prof. Bismark Tyobeka with dignitaries, academics and stakeholders who attended the opening of NWU’s Research and Innovation Week.

Important questions asked about postgraduate education at Youth 20 day by Phenyo Mokgothu BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 08/21/2025 - 12:24

In what has been dubbed an “accountability forum”, where pressing questions were asked about the future of South Africa, the North-West University (NWU) hosted the Youth 20 (Y20) Postgraduate Day at its Mahikeng Campus on 19 August.

The gathering was part of the NWU’s biennial Research and Innovation Week, which this year was aligned with South Africa’s presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) and emphasises solidarity, equality and sustainability.

Government leaders, academics, industry partners and postgraduate scholars used the opportunity to deliberate on the role of transformative and transdisciplinary research in building sustainable futures.

The theme of the event was “Transdisciplinary and transformative research: building sustainable futures”.

Three critical questions

In his welcome address, NWU principal and vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka, said the day was designed as an accountability forum to ask three critical questions. These are whether the country is on track to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on quality education; whether transformative research can address African sustainability challenges; and whether postgraduate qualifications secure a sustainable future for youth.

Prof Tyobeka noted South Africa’s progress in expanding access to education, citing improved school participation rates and the number of tertiary graduates.

However, he warned that structural inequalities persist.

“The starkest measure of our progress is found in the labour market,” he said, highlighting Statistics South Africa’s finding that youth unemployment remains at alarming levels, with 62,2% of 15 to 24-year-olds unemployed in the second quarter of 2025.

He further cautioned that graduate unemployment is also rising, calling for stronger alignment between postgraduate education and labour-market needs. “If postgraduate education is to be meaningful, it must deliver on three imperatives: access and affordability, skills and relevance, and equity,” he stressed.

Knowledge cannot be confined to academia

Representing the Premier of the North West Province, MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane spoke about the urgent need for knowledge that does not remain confined to academic spaces, but that actively shapes the society we aspire to build.

She highlighted the province’s strengths and opportunities. “As the Platinum Province, we are blessed with vast mineral wealth, agricultural strength, vibrant cultural heritage and a strategic geographic position that connects us to the rest of the country and the continent. Hosting an event of this calibre at the NWU affirms our commitment to harnessing these strengths to drive both provincial and national transformation.”

The programme featured panel discussions on whether South Africa is meeting SDG 4 targets on access to affordable education, skills for financial success and eliminating discrimination in education, as well as whether postgraduate research can practically contribute to African sustainability.

Postgraduate students participated in debates with higher education leaders, discussing whether research qualifications guarantee a sustainable future for South Africa’s youth.

Prof Tyobeka reaffirmed the NWU’s commitment to mission-led research on climate change, renewable energy, food and water security, and social justice. He emphasised the importance of embedding mentorship and employability into postgraduate training. “The future must be shaped by those who will inherit it,” he said. “That is why this day matters.”

NWU principal and vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka

MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane

Botswana opens its arms to the North-West University by Bertie Jacobs BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 08/13/2025 - 15:42

Neighbours share more than fences, and neighbouring countries more than borders. This is especially true for the relationship between South Africa and Botswana. In the theatre of southern African politics, South Africa and Botswana share more than just a 2 000 km border: they share intertwined fates.

From 11 to 12 August, a delegation from the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa, led by its principal and vice-chancellor, Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, visited the Jewel of the Kalahari to connect, share, find joint solutions to mutual problems, and explore pathways to shared successes.

“There are few sights that soothe the soul as much as the sun setting and rising over Botswana. I feel at home here. I feel inspired here. Botswana is often, and rightly, hailed as one of Africa’s success stories, and the country stands as a testament to how political stability can thrive on a continent not renowned for it,” says Prof. Tyobeka from the nation’s capital, Gaborone.

“For both countries, a healthy partnership is both a strategic necessity and a pragmatic boon. South Africa’s industrial heft complements Botswana’s political stability and mineral wealth. Together, we can achieve so much. In an era when fractured alliances are increasingly the norm, I would like to think that South Africa and Botswana prove that the opposite is possible. There is magic where we meet.”

During their stay in Botswana, the delegation visited the South African High Commissioner, Her Excellency Thaninga Shope Soumah, who stressed the importance of academic cooperation as an essential building block in strengthening bilateral relations.

The delegation also met the Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, as well as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Relations, Dimpho Mogami. They engaged with Botho University and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN). Discussions focused on collaborative research; student and staff exchange programmes; training initiatives in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and virtual internships; student life support and sport; and participation in academic expos.

“At the NWU, we are committed to regional cooperation and human capital development across the Southern African Development Community. This task is made so much easier by our friends in Botswana, who share our ideals and goals. Let’s take agriculture as an example, which was a major focus of our visit. Our countries and economies may look different, but we both battle with climate change, water scarcity, the need to modernise production, and the challenge of providing sustainable agricultural solutions and market access to smallholding farmers. We both ask: How do we produce more with less?”

Prof. Tyobeka pauses as he ponders the last question, then repeats it: “How do we produce more with less? We do it together.”

The delegation from the NWU thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN).

Prof. Bismark Tyobeka with Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti.

Her Excellency Thaninga Shope Soumah stressed the importance of academic cooperation across borders.

Collaboration leads to success.The NWU is paving the way forward with Botho University.

NWU takes science to Kuruman with a message of innovation by Phenyo Mokgothu BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 08/06/2025 - 13:50

“You are not too young to invent. You are not too rural to innovate. And you are certainly not too poor to dream big.” These were the words of North-West University (NWU) vice-chancellor Prof. Bismark Tyobeka as he addressed learners, educators and community members during the third annual Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day in Kuruman on 6 August 2025.

Held under the national theme “Science, Technology and Innovation are for Everyone”, the event brought science out of the laboratory and into the community. Hosted at the Thabo Moorosi Multi-Purpose Hall in Mothibistad, the outreach initiative aimed to expose learners in under-resourced communities to science careers and innovation tools.

“We are not just building a smarter nation. We are building a fairer one,” said Prof. Tyobeka. “A nation where science does not speak to people, but with them.”

Supported by Anglo American’s Kumba Iron Ore, the Science Day featured robotics demonstrations, science exhibitions, and career conversations between scientists and school learners. The event forms part of NWU’s broader effort to build inclusive education ecosystems and inspire the next generation of scientists.

Citing national economic data, Prof. Tyobeka emphasised the urgency of the initiative. “South Africa’s unemployment rate is around 32,6%. The bottom 40% of the population earn only 11,5% of the national income. The situation is not good, but we must continue to work harder to address these problems.”

He said innovation should not be limited to urban centres. “The learner in Kathu, Kuruman, or Kimberley is no less curious than their peer in Cape Town or Cambridge. But access to scientific tools, mentorship, and exposure makes a world of difference.”

He also called for science policy to reflect the voices of marginalised communities. “Real progress means making sure every child, no matter where they come from, has a fair shot at success.”

Executive dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Prof David Modise, added that the event was about changing perceptions. “We aim to reverse the trend so that learners from here are motivated to gain basic scientific knowledge,” he said. “This knowledge will enable them to use it to learn further in colleges and universities and come back here to plough back into the communities.”

Neo Mosala, a learner from Tshireletso High School, thanked Anglo American and the NWU for making the Science Day possible. “Science is like magic,” he said, highlighting the event’s impact. He added that Science Day inspires learners to pursue science, develop problem-solving skills, and explore innovation. “It boosts our confidence and shows us that we belong in the world of science,” said Mosala. He emphasised that such events motivate learners to dream bigger and aim higher.

As part of National Science Week (4–9 August), the NWU Science Day forms a deliberate step toward bridging the divide between science and society. “Let this not only be remembered as a day of speeches and selfies,” Prof. Tyobeka said. “Let it be remembered as the day science came home.”

 

   

Prof. Bismark Tyobeka  addressed learners, educators and community members during the third annual Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day in Kuruman.

Where passion meets performance: NWU and New Zealand kick off a winning partnership by Belinda Bantham BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 08/05/2025 - 10:21

Home to the legendary All Blacks and a global reputation for sporting brilliance, New Zealand recently connected with the North-West University (NWU) over a shared drive to push the limits in high-performance sport and sports science.

Prof Michael Hamlin and Peter Magson visited the NWU to explore opportunities for collaboration in sports science and high-performance sport, and left thoroughly impressed. During their time on the Potchefstroom Campus, they met with NWU academics and staff involved in sport bursaries, toured the High-Performance Institute and Centre for Health and Human Performance facilities, and delivered a guest lecture that sparked conversation across faculties.

Prof Hamlin’s talk, titled “Instrumented mouthguards and how we can use them to make rugby safer”, captured the attention of students and staff. The lecture formed part of the university’s growing “Brain Health and Concussion” initiative, which Prof Hans de Ridder from the School of Human and Movement Sciences is currently championing.

The visit wasn’t just about facilities and frameworks. It was also about people – and connecting those with shared values and ideas. The delegation’s meeting with NWU vice-chancellor Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, opened a dynamic discussion about student and staff exchanges, rugby scholarships, and how both institutions can work together to improve research and teaching in the field of sport and physical activity.

“This kind of partnership is exactly what we want to see more of,” said Dr Shernice Soobramoney, director for strategic global partnerships. “It’s practical, it’s mutually beneficial, and it opens doors for our students.”

The visit supports the NWU’s drive to strengthen its global footprint, especially through South-South partnerships with institutions like Lincoln University – a globally respected name in applied sciences and sport research. The collaboration will include joint research projects, exchange programmes, and shared teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Behind the scenes, the NWU Strategic Global Partnerships office played a key role in making it all happen. Following a meeting in early 2024 with Lincoln University’s international manager, Sarah Cook, it led to a few virtual meeting sessions and the eventual arrangement of the visit in collaboration with Prof De Ridder.

This is just the beginning - a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the two universities is currently being finalised, and a visit by the NWU vice-chancellor’s delegation to New Zealand is planned for November 2025.

 

Science takes centre stage in Kuruman by Phenyo Mokgothu BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 07/25/2025 - 08:10

In the heart of the Northern Cape, science will step out of the classroom and into the community as the North-West University (NWU) brings its third Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day to Mothibistad on 6 August 2025.

The event, to be held at the Thabo Moorosi Multi-Purpose Hall in Kuruman, is part of a growing outreach initiative by the NWU to strengthen public engagement with science and spark the interest of rural learners in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. It follows successful editions in Mabieskraal (2023) and Taung (2024).

Organised through the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, this year’s event is supported by Anglo American’s Kumba Iron Ore Limited. It will feature science exhibitions, interactive shows and a competition for learners.

According to NWU vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka, the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to making science accessible. “This is about taking science to where it is needed most, in our communities,” said Prof Tyobeka. “We want learners from all backgrounds to see science not as something distant or abstract, but as a tool that can change lives and build futures.”

He added that the event also aims to build partnerships between schools, higher education institutions, government departments and the private sector. “Science has a critical role to play in addressing challenges faced by our communities. These engagements help us build a future where solutions are home-grown and informed by the realities on the ground.”

The Science Day will also work to challenge misconceptions around science and showcase South Africa’s capacity for innovation, particularly in under-resourced regions. As a trained scientist himself, Prof Tyobeka will join learners and researchers on the day to lead discussions on the role of science in driving sustainable development.

The event marks another step in NWU’s ongoing efforts to position science as a force for inclusive growth and opportunity.

NWU vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka addressing the 2024 Science Day in Taung

Prof Bismark Tyobeka appointed chairperson of the Ministerial Expert Panel on Nuclear by Bertie Jacobs BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 07/09/2025 - 13:31

In a landmark development for South Africa’s energy transition, Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) and former CEO of the National Nuclear Regulator, has been appointed both a member and chairperson of the Ministerial Expert Panel on Nuclear.

The appointment, announced by the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, places Prof. Tyobeka at the helm of a body tasked with advising government on the pace, scale, and procurement approach for new nuclear capacity.

Prof. Tyobeka’s selection reflects not only his deep regulatory expertise but also his stature as one of Africa’s foremost authorities on nuclear safety and governance. This non-remunerative appointment is for a 12-month term.

Minister Ramokgopa noted that in recent months, his ministry has been shaping its strategic objectives in support of the government’s Medium-Term Development Plan, with nuclear energy playing a key role in that vision.

“The Ministry will aggressively expand research and development, innovation, and partnerships to reassert South Africa’s capability and global positioning as a leader in nuclear technology, and use this nuclear expertise to drive industrial development and growth,” he said.

The panel will advise the Minister on strategic issues across the entire value chain of nuclear technology development.

Of Professor Tyobeka, the Minister remarked:

“I am aware that Professor Tyobeka fulfils a vital role as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University, and I am confident that the two roles will complement each other significantly, given the NWU’s strong focus on nuclear technology and its contribution to energy security, as well as the broader goals of job creation and localisation within the nuclear sector.”

Prof. Tyobeka expressed his appreciation for the trust the Minister has placed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to helping steer South Africa’s just energy transition.

“According to the Minister, the role of this expert panel extends beyond nuclear energy alone. It is intended to provide comprehensive advice on all nuclear-related matters, including nuclear science, technology, and power.

This is an exciting opportunity for us to support the Minister in enhancing the country’s nuclear capabilities, particularly in advancing the production of medical isotopes at NECSA. Our goal is to reaffirm South Africa’s leadership in radiopharmaceuticals, a position we have proudly held for many years.

Moreover, the panel comprises esteemed experts, both local and international, within the nuclear field. I believe this will bring renewed momentum to restoring South Africa’s position as Africa’s leading nuclear power. As many are aware, Egypt has recently made substantial progress with its nuclear build programme and is currently constructing four nuclear power stations, each with a capacity of 1 200 megawatts. Once completed, Egypt will become the continent’s largest producer of nuclear electricity, a position South Africa has held for more than four decades.

This appointment - mine and that of my distinguished colleagues - augurs well for the revitalisation of South Africa’s nuclear power programme. More than just revival, however, it must also inject urgency and direction into our efforts, while being mindful of the appropriate pace and scale.

We look forward to working closely with the department’s policy developers and implementers. We acknowledge the commendable work already achieved. Our task is to build on that foundation and help take the country’s nuclear ambitions to the next level through expert, strategic guidance to Minister Ramokgopa.”

Prof Bismark appointed chairperson of SABS Board by Bertie Jacobs BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/25/2025 - 12:00

He is known for setting the highest standards for himself, and now Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), has been entrusted with doing the same for the country. As the newly appointed member and chairperson of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), he will steer an institution that plays a critical role in setting and upholding South Africa’s national standards.

SABS was established under the Standards Act (No. 8 of 2008) and is the country’s official standards authority. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality, safety, and competitiveness of products and services. It is responsible for developing, promoting, and maintaining South African national standards, while also providing testing, certification, and technical services to both industry and government. Through its rigorous standardisation and conformity assessment processes, the SABS safeguards consumer interests, supports export readiness, and contributes to broader economic growth. As a custodian of public trust and funding, effective governance of the institution is not only essential, but also imperative.

Prof Tyobeka’s appointment is effective from 18 June 2025, and will run for a five-year term until 17 June 2030, and the announcement was made by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Honourable Parks Tau, who commended Prof Tyobeka’s exceptional expertise and leadership in fields critical to the work of the SABS.

“It is my pleasure to appoint you as member and chairperson of the Board of the SABS,” Minister Tau stated in the official letter. “Your appointment is in recognition of your experience and expertise in areas that I believe can contribute to strengthening the work of the SABS.”

This appointment and the scores of others on governing bodies, not only affirms the leadership credentials of Prof Tyobeka, but also highlights the NWU’s broader commitment to national development, good governance and institutional excellence.

Prof Tyobeka accepted the appointment on 23 June 2025, signalling his readiness to contribute to this vital institution. “I am honoured to serve in this capacity,” he said. “The work of the SABS is foundational to our nation’s industrial and economic health, and I look forward to supporting its mandate with diligence and integrity.”