No spectators allowed at Varsity Cup match of 20 March 2023
20 March 2023
On advice of the SAPS, unfortunately no spectators will be allowed at the Varsity Cup match tonight. Tickets will be refunded.
You can still be part of the action - watch the live stream of the Varsity Cup game between our NWU Eagles & CUT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARYa9vrXTD8
We join the world in observing International Women's Day 2023
8 March 2023
On this International Women's Day, we join the world in calling for equal rights and an end to violence and abuse against women and girls. The International Women's Day is a global event that is marked annually on 8 March to highlight issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. The theme for the 2023 International Women's Day is "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality", which highlights the role of innovative technology in promoting gender equality and meeting the health and developmental needs of women and girls.
We have embraced challenges and opportunities presented by technological advances and innovations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in our work. Some of these innovations have enabled flexibility and agility in our operations. The roll-out of our digital business strategy is well underway and has the potential to increase the efficiencies of our operations. However, the implementation of our digital business strategy must consider the different circumstances under which our staff operate, as well as the communities and schools from where our prospective and current students come.
We have done relatively well in terms of the achievement of gender equity among our staff and students. Sixty-four percent (64%) of our student population is women, while our staff is 56% women. Our governance and management structures have processes in place to ensure that the composition of the various committees remains inclusive and diverse. We are proud of the progress thus far. However, we must continue to maintain and emphasise the need for inclusiveness and diversity across all areas within the NWU.
Gender-based violence, femicide, and abuse of women and girls remain huge problems and concerns in our country. The NWU Council has approved the Gender-Based Violence policy and the Sexual Harassment policy which are aimed at addressing these issues within the staff and students' environments. We must accept that policies alone are not sufficient to deal with the scourge of violence. Therefore, we will continue to inculcate a human rights culture among the broader NWU community and deal harshly with anyone whose actions undermine the letter and spirit of our policies and culture.
Let us observe this International Women's Day with full understanding and commitment to invest our energies towards equity, inclusiveness, and the eradication of femicide and violence against women and girls.
Malibongwe igama la makhosikazi
Thank you
Prof Bismark Tyobeka
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
Your feedback will be appreciated
An update on the registration and the academic programme from the vice-chancellor
28 February 2023
On Friday, 24 February 2023, we sent you a message confirming the extension of the registration period until 1 March 2023.
We had extended the registration to allow students who were still experiencing financial difficulties to resolve their challenges. We are satisfied with the number of students who have registered since the extension. The interventions that we have put in place, as well as the assistance from our external partners and stakeholders have assisted greatly, thus far.
As you are already aware, the Student Representative Council (SRC) received one million three hundred thousand rands (R1 300 000.00) from the Motsepe Foundation which the SRC has decided to distribute equitably across all three campuses and in the distance learning environment. In addition, on the side of management, an amount of one million, nine hundred, and fifty thousand rand (R1 950 000.00) has been secured to augment the SRC efforts.
This brings us to a total of three million, two hundred, and fifty thousand rand (R3 250 000.00), which will be distributed equitably across all campuses and in the distance learning environment to assist academically deserving students. The distribution of these funds will commence immediately. The Finance and Registration Committee in which the SRC and respective campus SCC’s are represented will be responsible for the allocation. Our campaign to secure more funding from current and prospective donors will continue. Our donors have expressed their satisfaction with the stability that we have maintained across our campuses thus far. We are cautiously optimistic that this will translate into more funding coming our way.
As at Tuesday, 28 February 2023, we have 11 437 contact first-time entry students (FTENs) who are fully registered, and 1 184 conditionally registered. About 37 993 contact senior students are fully registered, and 3 136 conditionally registered. Our distance enrolments are also progressing well, with 1 360 fully registered FTENs against a target of 1 175. We know that some of the senior students are still waiting their NSFAS appeal feedback. Regrettably, the NSFAS processes, including the appeals, are beyond the university’s control or influence.
Based on the above, the registration period has been further extended until Friday, 3 March 2023, at 23:59. Face-to-face classes on our Mahikeng Campus will resume on Monday 6 March 2023. Classes on the Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark campuses will continue as normal. Faculties have put measures in place to ensure that students who register during this period are not left behind in terms of their academic programme.
We thank the student leadership including the SRC, SCC, and all subordinate student leadership structures for their continued commitment and efforts in maintaining a vibrant student life. We must remain focused towards a successful completion of the 2023 academic year.
I wish you a very fruitful and successful academic year.
Prof Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka
Registration extended until 1 March 2023
24 February 2023
Some of our students (first year and returning) still need to finalise their registration. Therefore, the registration period has been extended until Wednesday, 1 March 2023 at 23:59.
We urge students to comply with the necessary processes, including obtaining propensity letters from faculties, and uploading the signed propensity letters on the NSFAS appeals portal.
The NWU academic programme will continue for all students, and provisionally registered students will continue to have access to eFundi. The university will do everything possible to accommodate students whose registration was concluded after the commencement of classes (Monday, 20 February 2023).
Warm regards
Prof Marlene Verhoef
Registrar: NWU
Further extension of the registration period and other challenges
21 February 2023
The university has made significant progress regarding the registration process, however we acknowledge that some of our students (senior students and provisionally registered students) are still experiencing difficulties and uncertainties which include confirmation of funding. Therefore, we have further extended the registration period until Friday, 24 February 2023 at 23:59 to allow these students to finalise their registration.
The NWU academic programme commenced on 20 February 2023. Provisionally registered students will continue to have access to eFundi, as was the case in the past.
We are also in constant discussions with NSFAS regarding the appeal process for returning students and want to assure you that everything possible is being done to have this resolved.
The university is also aware of the problems that some of our students are experiencing to secure accommodation during this registration period. We are working with our partners in the communities to explore practical ways and means in finding sustainable solutions to these challenges.
We thank the Student Representative Council and the Student Campus Councils across our three campuses for their proactive and solutions-oriented efforts to assist in improving the situation.
Students who are still struggling to find accommodation are encouraged to contact the Residence Offices on the campuses.
Warm regards
Prof Marlene Verhoef
Registrar: NWU
Suspension of classes - Mahikeng Campus 2023
21 February 2023
Management has resolved to suspend face-to-face classes at the Mahikeng Campus until Friday, 24 February 2023. This is due to acts of intimidation and violence against some staff and students this morning, Monday,20 February 2023. The learning material for this week will be published on eFundi to enable students to continue with their teaching programme and communicate with their lecturers. Students (fully and provisionally registered) already have access to eFundi. We continue to work with relevant stakeholders including the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the Student Campus Councils (SCCs) to find sustainable solutions to the issues and concerns.
The Mahikeng Campus Management will update the campus community regarding solutions for issues that were discussed at the meeting with stakeholders including the SCC, yesterday, 19 February 2023.
I must emphasise that the North-West University (NWU) is fully committed to ensuring a successful academic year; thus, we will speedily resolve issues that fall within our control. We will also continue to liaise with other stakeholders in the higher education system to finalise matters that affect the academic programme. We will update you regarding developments in this regard.
Best wishes
Prof. Bismark Tyobeka
Principal and vice-chancellor: NWU
Update on the registration process for first year and senior students
17 February 2023
Dear student
The University Management is satisfied with how the registration process for first year as well as returning students has unfolded up until now. As at 17 February 2023, more than 13 800 first-year students (contact and distance) have been registered (fully registered or provisionally registered.) When including returning students, close to 54 000 students (contact and distance) have been registered. Although progress has been made in finalising the registration of those students who were only provisionally registered, some students are still awaiting financial clearance to complete their registration.
Some of our senior and provisionally registered students are still experiencing difficulties and uncertainties such as confirmation of funding. Consequently, we have extended the registration period until Wednesday, 22 February 2023 at 23:59. We trust that this will allow more students to finalise their registration and be part of the full academic programme.
Kindly note that the registration status of students (first years and returning students) can only be made final once their funding status has been confirmed. Regrettably, students who are only provisionally registered will not be allowed to attend classes or occupy university residences.
Our academic programme is scheduled to commence on 20 February 2023. Arrangements are underway to ensure that provisionally registered students can have access to eFundi. Further information in this regard will be communicated soon.
Best wishes
Issued: NWU Corporate Relations and Marketing
Voice note on Christianity
16 February 2023
The North-West University (NWU) has been alerted about a voice note by an alleged student called Mira, indicating that students are not allowed to practice their Christian beliefs on the Potchefstroom Campus. This is not only ridiculous, but also laughable and deeply disturbing. Actions like these are aimed at causing disharmony and polarisation among the NWU community, and must be condemned and punished harshly whenever perpetrators are found. No infringement of the Constitutional Rights of any individual will ever be allowed at the NWU. We distance ourselves from the content of the voice note and urge our stakeholders to ignore such mischievous actions.
Voice note
Extension of the registration period
16 February 2023
Dear student
We acknowledge that some of our students (senior students and provisionally registered students) are still experiencing difficulties and uncertainties which include confirmation of funding from sponsors such as NSFAS. Therefore, we have extended the registration period until Wednesday, 22 February 2023 at 23:59 to allow these students to finalise their registration and be part of the academic programme.
The NWU academic programme is still scheduled to commence on 20 February 2023. Provisionally registered students will have access to eFundi, as it was the case in the past.
In line with our ethic of care, we continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that we explore all potential solutions to avoid exclusion of any student(s). We will, in collaboration with other key stakeholders, continue to monitor the situation closely, and update you accordingly.
Best wishes
Prof Marlene Verhoef
Registrar: NWU
Update on the registration process for first year and senior students
Dear student
As at 9 February 2023, close to 12 500 first-year students (contact and distance) have been registered (fully registered or preliminarily registered.) When including returning students, close to 48 000 students (contact and distance) have been registered. A range of issues including funding are crucial to ensure that students are fully registered. Therefore, many of the provisionally registered students are still awaiting financial clearance to complete their registration.
The university recognises that the late release of the NSFAS funding results, not only to the NWU, but to the public higher education sector in general, has an impact on many students’ registration and access to campus(es). NSFAS has committed to process the applications and update the university regularly. We remain optimistic about this undertaking and recommit ourselves to assist where possible to ensure that our students commence with their academic programme timeously.
It must be re-emphasised that this unbearable situation is not unique to the NWU but is affecting all public universities.
Kindly take note that the registration status of students (first years and returning students) can only be made final once their funding status has been confirmed. Regrettably, students who are conditionally registered will not be allowed to make use of university facilities or occupy university residences. There are waiting lists for placement in residences across our three campuses, and should students not take up their places, those on the waiting lists will be contacted.
For any enquiries regarding your registration status, kindly contact the relevant person for the respective faculties.
All issues relating to the smooth registration of our students are receiving priority attention from the University Management, and you will be kept abreast as and when matters are resolved.
Kind regards
University Management
Taking the NWU forward
Welcome to the 2023 academic year.
I trust that you are reinvigorated and ready to face this year's challenges and take advantage of the opportunities ahead. The engagements and activities in which my office has been involved since the beginning of the year indicate that it is going to be a demanding but exciting and rewarding year. I am happy to see that many prospective students who have applied to study at the NWU are beginning to accept our offers and busy with their registration. We are aware of the financial and other related problems that some of the prospective students are experiencing, and we will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to address these problems. We remain committed to academic excellence and a vibrant student life across our campuses. Therefore, we will ensure that we support all qualifying students, and facilitate their access and success at the NWU.
I am also happy with the work that the NWU senior management team has begun to set out for the future. Senior management and some relevant officials participated in a two-day strategic planning session – bosberaad/lekgotla – during November/December 2022. The session discussed and resolved a range of pertinent issues that affect the NWU's strategy and operations. Management will embark on a consultative process with relevant stakeholders including NWU governance structures and staff regarding these resolutions and proposals. The issues that the consultative process will focus on include among others:
- The NWU's current operational model: The NWU Business School has been tasked with the responsibility to evaluate the current operational model. This process will involve the review and assessment of the achievements and challenges of the current operations model focusing on efficiencies and effectiveness. To this end, the university community will form part of the consultation process. I urge all stakeholders who may be invited to participate in this process to do so, to ensure that we have an inclusive process that will result in an outcome that is representative of the collective views and experiences. There may be aspects that are currently working well and contribute significantly towards improved productivity; however, equally, there may be aspects that are not optimal, and are hampering productivity and effective unification. Your lived experience is important to us as it will help in understanding how we can improve efficiencies and be more effective.
- Traditional vs comprehensive university: Management resolved that the NWU is and should remain a traditional university. Our relevant portfolios such as Teaching and Learning must ensure that the necessary interventions are in place to align our offerings with this commitment.
- Distance Learning: Management resolved that this remains a crucial offering for the NWU and that the Teaching and Learning portfolio together with other relevant structures within the NWU must consolidate the discussions that took place with faculties and report at appropriate structures such as University Management Committee and Senate.
- Reimagining student-centricity at the NWU: The Bosberaad/Lekgotla resolved to embark on a process to improve student value proposition. The Student Information System (SIS) project will form the basis of the interventions in this area.
- NWU Business School: The NWU Business School is one of our flagship portfolios. Therefore, it needs to be appropriately resourced and implement its strategy and plan without unnecessary and rigid processes. This is important to ensure the NWU Business School's competitiveness and sustainability. Management will pursue all the necessary interventions to unlock the business school's capability and potential; and
- NWU Enterprise (Pty) Limited: The diversification of income streams for the NWU is a necessity. To this end, management has resolved to pursue the establishment of the NWU Enterprises (Pty) Limited to enhance our capability to harness third-stream income.
In addition to addressing current strategic issues, the Bosberaad considered to explore the following as per my inaugural address:
- The establishment of a veterinary school;
- Collaboration with Colleges of Agriculture in the North West province;
- The establishment of a centre for sustainable mining;
- A programme to increase the capacity of municipal and provincial government;
- The establishment of a medical school;
- Aggressive expansion of the NWU internationally through strategic collaboration, partnerships and the hosting of international students;
- Focus on funding for postgraduate students and the missing middle;
- Strengthen our fundraising capacity; and
- Implement a Staff Cost Optimisation programme.
These are ambitious goals, some of which are already on-going through various initiatives in relevant faculties and support departments. There will be a process of prioritisation to ensure proper execution and implementation for all of these.
What is needed at this stage is an "all hands-on deck" approach to ensure that we work towards the realisation of the dream of our university. Let us work together to ensure that we remain one of the leading higher education institutions on the African continent.
I look forward to interacting with you collectively and individually to ensure a shared vision in the implementation of our strategy and plans.
Best wishes for the year.
Thank you!
Baie dankie!
Ndiyabulela!
Kealeboga!
Prof Bismark Tyobeka
Principal and Vice-Chancellor