Vanderbijlpark: Developments - planned temporary water supply shutdown
29 May 2025
A notice was issued by the Emfuleni local municipality today, stating that the 16-day water supply shutdown will no longer affect Vanderbijlpark. Taking into account that the water pressure in the area is already low, management decided to continue with the current business continuity plan until more information has been gathered.
Staff and students are encouraged to continue using water sparingly on the campus.
Staff working from home can continue to do so, as per the arrangements with their line managers.
The situation will be reassessed next Tuesday, 3 June. More information on the way forward will then follow.
Prof Sibusiso Chalufu
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Vanderbijlpark Campus Operations
Notice on planned temporary water supply shutdown and temporary arrangements for Vanderbijlpark staff and students
27 May 2025
As you have been informed, a planned water supply shutdown in the larger Vanderbijlpark area has been scheduled by the Emfuleni Municipality from 30 May to 14 June 2025. This interruption is due to essential maintenance work required by the local municipality and will affect staff and students living on and around campus. In the interest of ensuring the continuation of university business, and specifically the May-June examination period, the university has put in place the following mitigating measures to support staff and students.
Important to note
- Twenty JoJo tanks and water bladders filled with grey water will be placed across campus. Please refer to the map for the exact locations.
- Grey water available in these tanks across campus is NOT SAFE for human consumption and should only be used for ablution facilities. Once boiled, it can be used for personal hygiene, but not for consumption or cooking.
- Water from the dams on campus and from the river is NOT SAFE for human consumption, and no one must under any circumstance attempt to retrieve water from these sources for any purpose.
- Boilers, geysers and hot water urns located in campus buildings must be switched off.
- All water taps must remain closed to avoid unintended flooding when the water supply returns.
- Student support services will operate normally during the period, with this including Student Counselling and Development, the Campus Health Care Centre, Campus Protection Services, Facilities Department, cleaning services, etc.
- Line managers are requested to arrange with staff who can, and for services not needed on campus, to work remotely.
- Arrangements pertaining to the May-June examination period will continue as scheduled.
Arrangements for staff
Ablution facilities:
- Only the ablution facilities located on the ground or basement floors of buildings will be available for use.
- A 1 x 210 litre drum containing grey water will be made available at each male and female ablution facility in buildings to collect water for flushing toilets. Smaller 20 litre buckets will also be available.
- The 210 litre drums will be refilled by the cartage team from bulk containers on campus (JoJo tanks and water bladders).
- Appointed cleaning staff will assist in distributing water to communal ablutions via the water bucket system and will ensure a clean and hygienic environment is maintained.
- A limited number of chemical toilets will be made available at examination venues.
Drinking water:
- A large supply of drinking water has been procured and will be made available to students and essential staff working on campus.
- Bottled (500ml) drinking water will be available at examination venues for staff and students.
Arrangements for students
Students residing in university residences:
The following university residences will be fully affected by the water interruption, with no supply of water through the main lines and taps:
- Faranani
- Jasmyn
- Horizon
- Kumba
- Thuthuka
- Vergelegen
Students residing in the above-mentioned residences must take note of the following:
- A 1 x 5 litre water bottle will be issued per student every third day.
- A plastic bucket will be available to be used for grey water in toilets.
- JoJo tanks will be stationed at each university residence located on campus where residents can collect grey water.
- Both items (water bottle and plastic bucket) must be collected by each resident form your house parent and residence officer at the residence itself. Kindly contact these individuals for the exact time and date when the items will be available.
The following university residences will be partially affected by the water interruption; however, the water supply will be limited, and residents are encouraged to use water sparingly:
- Bohlale
- Moahi
- Ebukhosini
- Longfellow
Non-residents are not permitted to access or use the emergency water resources made available for a particular university residence.
Students residing in non-university residences:
The following arrangements will apply to students residing in private accredited and non-accredited accommodation:
- Accredited accommodation service providers were requested to make provision for adequate backup water arrangements at their facilities.
- They were requested to provide students with drinking water and water for flushing toilets and basic hygiene needs.
Staff and students are requested to:
- Use water sparingly and to cooperate fully with the implemented arrangements to ensure that everyone has access to essential water resources.
- Report any irregular conduct pertaining to the sale of water to students or staff, i.e., paying excessive amounts to access water for drinking or sanitary purposes.
Enquiries pertaining to the above arrangements can be directed to the persons below:
Maintenance and Facilities
- Ms Marietjie van der Ryst: 016 910 3142 / marietjie.vanderryst@nwu.ac.za
- Mr Cwenga Jezile: 016 910 3214
- Ms Mmabore Masiela: 016 910 3581
- After hours: Control room - 016 910 3339
Student Life
- Mr Chris Williams: 55428606@nwu.ac.za
- Ms Makhotso Mosikidi: makhotso.mosikidi@nwu.ac.za
Campus Health Care Centre
- Ms Nokuthula Malinga: 016 910 3278 / nokuthula.malinga@nwu.ac.za
Residences
- Mr Pola Mmapulana: 016 910 3278 / pola.mmapulana@nwu.ac.za
- Mr Lungile Masango: 016 910 3035 / lungile.masango@nwu.ac.za
Remember, you can access the map indicating the location of grey water storage systems across campus here.
NWU Council appoints Prof Hennie Goede as registrar
22 May 2024
The North-West University (NWU) Council has appointed Professor Hennie Goede, currently serving as the executive dean of the Faculty of Theology, as registrar designate. The appointment was made during an extraordinary Council meeting held on 22 May 2025. The date from which Prof. Goede will commence his duties as registrar designate will be determined and communicated very soon to ensure a smooth transition at the Faculty of Theology. Upon such determination, Prof. Goede will work alongside and report to the current registrar, Prof. Marlene Verhoef, until 31 December 2025.
Prof Goede will officially commence his term as the NWU registrar on 1 January 2026 for a five-year period, concluding on 31 December 2031.
We extend our congratulations to Prof. Goede and wish him success in his new role. Council is confident that Prof. Goede’s wealth of knowledge and experience in both academic and faculty administration will make an invaluable contribution to the NWU as we implement the new strategy – Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond.
As executive dean, Prof. Goede has played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Faculty of Theology during the past six years. He serves on the university's Senior Management Committee, the Senate, and various subcommittees. He currently chairs the Senate task team on postgraduate enrolments and is also a member of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) Review Panel for Private Higher Education Institutions.
Prof. Goede's association with the NWU began in 2003, when he was appointed as locum tenens in Greek at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education. Between 2008 and 2016, he served as minister in the Reformed Church. Since 2016, he has held various academic and leadership roles in the Faculty of Theology at the NWU, including as senior lecturer, subject chair, acting executive dean, and as executive dean since 2019. In 2024, he was promoted to associate professor in New Testament Studies.
Prof. Goede’s academic journey began at the former Rand Afrikaans University (now University of Johannesburg), where he earned BCom and LLB degrees in 1992 and 1995 respectively, after which he practiced law as an attorney. He thereafter pursued honours degrees in Theology and Bible Translation at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (North-West University), both completed in 2002. This was followed by two master’s degrees, obtained in 2003 and 2005, and a doctoral degree in Greek at the NWU in 2011.
Prof. Goede’s professional career reflects his multifaceted expertise, spanning law, the ministry and academia. In addition to his pastoral and legal experience, he has supervised and co-supervised numerous master’s-degree students.
His scholarly work has been widely published in academic journals and edited volumes, and he has presented research at both national and international conferences.
Once again, I wish Prof. Goede well on his new journey at the NWU. The NWU Council has full confidence in his abilities and knows that he will add value to the extensive role of the Office of the Registrar and the NWU.
Regards
Bert Sorgdrager
Council Chairperson
Planned water supply shutdown: Vanderbijlpark
19 May 2025
This notice from the Emfuleni Local Municipality was brought to the attention of the NWU. According to it, the water supply will be shut down from Friday, 30 May until Saturday, 14 June 2025.
These dates fall within the upcoming exam period, during which the university must ensure conditions which are conducive for students to prepare and write exams and also to allow staff to continue with their work.
In order to address the matter, a Business Continuity Committee has already been established and is working around the clock to ensure that emergency and contingency plans are put in place.
As soon as full details as to how the matter will be addressed are known, these will timeously be communicated with you.
Important notice: application portal maintenance!
11 April 2025
The application portal will undergo scheduled maintenance from 18:00 on Friday, 11 April to 08:00 on Saturday, 12 April.
During this time, South African prospective applicants will still be able to apply, as their access will not be affected.
International students, however, will not be able to submit applications, as the payment portal will be unavailable during the maintenance window. They will be able to continue with their applications once the maintenance is complete.
Important Notice: Online Applications
3 April 2025
Dear Prospective Student
We appreciate the overwhelming interest in becoming part of the North-West University.
We are aware that you may have been experiencing some challenges with the Online Application system since the applications opened on 1 April 2025. Please be assured that we are working diligently to resolve the issues to ensure a seamless and efficient application process for all prospective students.
Your patience and understanding are valued during this process. We commit to ensuring that you have the best possible experience during the application process as we work to enhance the application process.
Please contact us for assistance through these channels:
Email: studies@nwu.ac.za
NWU Call Centre: 0860 169 698
WhatsApp: +27 (0) 60 070 2606
SMS: 31750
Apply Online: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/apply
Application Portal: https://applynow.nwu.ac.za/OnlineApplication
We are fully committed to supporting you through every step of your application journey.
NWU regards
Ngwako Clement Manoko
Executive Director: Corporate Relations and Marketing
Payment of the second book allowance
17 March 2025
A decision was made by the NWU Management today to move the payment for the second book allowance forward. Students need to take note that the NWU only received 50% of book allowances from NSFAS and the NWU will advance this cash on behalf of NSFAS. The payment file was transferred today. This process will take two to three days to complete. The payment will reflect in the approved NSFAS student’s bank accounts by the latest on Friday, 21 March 2025.
Payment of NSFAS allowances
14 March 2025
Dear NSFAS Students
The NWU is still processing catch-up payments daily, as students who have not yet received allowances need to be reviewed individually.
The aim is to pay out the remaining book allowances in April.
Below is the status on allowances as of 12 March 2025:
Please note that not all students who have not yet received allowances are eligible to receive it; therefore, individual review is necessary.
NSFAS students who eligible to receive allowances and who have not yet received those, are requested to supply their details to the Finance offices on campus to allow for individual cases to be followed up.
Student Fianaces
Feedback on missing modules on eFundi
10 March 2025
We are aware that some students have had some challenges with missing modules on eFundi.
Please note that not all registered modules have eFundi sites available at this time. This may be due to the fact that faculties have not provided all module information yet, or because eFundi sites are not required for certain modules. To find out if a specific module does or does not have an eFundi site, please contact the eFundi helpdesk at efundi-help@nwu.ac.za.
While we do not have a specific resolution date for this issue, please rest assured that we are working to resolve it as soon as possible.
The good news is that, if a site is not available in eFundi, you will not be falling behind with regard to assessment and assignment opportunities.
Please feel free to reach out to the eFundi helpdesk at efundi-help@nwu.ac.za if you continue to experience issues or have any concerns.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your patience as we work to resolve this.
Progress on NSFAS payments
5 March 2025
NSFAS students who have transferred between campuses or programmes were flagged as exceptions. The Student Finances team is working tirelessly to resolve these cases, and daily catch-up payments are being processed. On 4 March, another 2 575 records were processed (this could mean that one student received more than one payment owed to him or her). The team will continue with the process until all eligible students have received their allowances. Students who are still experiencing problems should approach the respective Financial offices on campus for further assistance and be provided with clarity on the status of their payments. Students who do not appear on the NSFAS FUNDED report are not eligible to receive allowances. Students are requested to log on to the MyNSFAS portal to confirm their funding status.
Students who still cannot access their eFundi course sites
25 February 2025
We are aware that there are some students who still cannot access their eFundi course sites and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience. If you are one of these students, please send an email to the eFundi help desk. The email address is efundi-help@nwu.ac.za. Please include the following information in the email:
- Student number
- Name and surname
- Course codes for the modules that you cannot access in eFundi.
Please make use of your Proof of Registration to see the correct course codes.
We are also aware that some of you, after dropping some subjects and adding others, might now still have access to the "dropped" courses in eFundi. This issue will also be addressed in the Student System (NWU Student) soon. Please ignore the dropped course sites.
For any other academic enquiries, please log a ticket on the Student Helpdesk on the Student Portal.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Payment of allowances - an update
24 February 2025
This serves to update you regarding progress made in payment of allowances. A total of 7,097 payments were made on Saturday, and another batch of 20,421 will be transferred to students' bank accounts today, 24 February 2025.
Please note that some students have not yet uploaded their banking details and are therefore excluded from this payment. We urge all students to upload their banking details onto NWU DIY if they have not yet done so.
Qualifying students will receive the living allowance for February and March by the end of the week. An update regarding the next payment of the remaining 50% of book allowances will follow very soon.
Once again, we appreciate your patience and understanding.
NSFAS students take note!
23 February 2025
NSFAS students please take note that 100% living allowance and 50% of your book allowance will be paid now, and then another living allowance at the end of Feb. You will thus receive a double allowance in February.
Payment of allowances
21 February 2025
Due to an unexpected technical issue, allowances will not be paid today. However, we will begin processing smaller batches of payments over the weekend and will continue until all payments are completed.
Please rest assured that all relevant teams are working diligently to resolve the matter as soon as possible. We will keep you updated on our progress and provide further details on the expected payment schedule.
Thank you for your understanding.
Final notice on 2025 registration period
19 February 2025
- The registration period for all undergraduate contact students (first years and returning students) will close at 23:59 on Wednesday, 19 February 2025.
- All distance, international, honours and PGDip students have until 23:59, on Monday, 24 February 2025 to register.
- Master’s and PhD students can register until 23:59 on Monday, 31 March 2025.
Take note!
The extension does not in any way imply that the NWU will accept new applications.
NO NEW OR UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS AND WALK-INS WILL BE CONSIDERED.
New applicants are advised to contact the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Central Applications Clearing House (CACH):
- Sharecall Number: 0860 690 722
- Operating Hours: 08:00 - 16:00
- Available from 20 January 2025 to 31 March 2025 (Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays)
Notice on payment of government funded bursaries
19 February 2025
Dear bursary students (NSFAS, FUNZA and other government funded bursaries)
50% of your book allowance will be paid this week, while the remaining 50% is scheduled to be paid later in the first semester once all registrations are finalised. The first living allowance for February will be paid together with the book allowance, and the second living allowance for March will be paid by the end of February.
Travel allowances will only be paid once all lease agreements are submitted. As in the past, you will receive your allowances by the 25th of each month.
All communication is now system-driven, and you will receive regular updates accordingly. These messages will be sent as an alert, and you will receive it as a notification via the Student Portal.
Kind regards
Student Finances
Extension of 2025 registration
14 February 2025
The registration period for all undergraduate (contact and distance), honours and postgraduate diploma students has been extended until 23:59 on Wednesday, 19 February 2025 to allow qualifying students to register in programmes that are still open.
Master’s and PhD students can register until 23:59 on Monday, 31 March 2025.
Take note!
The extension does not in any way imply that the NWU will accept new applications.
NO NEW OR UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS AND WALK-INS WILL BE CONSIDERED.
New applicants are advised to contact the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Central Applications Clearing House (CACH):
- Sharecall Number: 0860 690 722
- Operating Hours: 08:00 - 16:00
- Available from 20 January 2025 to 31 March 2025 (Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays)
Extension of registration period applies to returning students and qualifying applicants with conditional or final offers only
7 February 2025
The communique issued yesterday, 6 February 2025, regarding the extension of registration refers. The extension DOES NOT in any way imply that the NWU will accept new applications.
In terms of prospective first year students, ONLY qualifying applicants who have received conditional or final offers will be considered for programmes that still have capacity/space. We have exceeded capacity in many of our programmes/qualifications.
The extension applies to all returning students. We urge all returning students to prioritise registration by the due date (14 February 2025).
New applicants are advised to contact the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) https://cach.cas.ac.za
Sharecall Number: 0860 690 722
Operating Hours: 08h00 - 16h00
Available from 20 January 2025 to 31 March 2025
Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays
NB! NO NEW OR UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS AND WALK-INS WILL BE CONSIDERED.
Extension of 2025 registration
6 February 2025
The registration period for all students, including post graduate students, has been extended until Friday, 14 February 2025, to allow all qualifying students to register. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Classes will still commence on 10 February 2025, but faculties will, as far as possible, try to accommodate those who encountered problems with registration.
Registration progress at the NWU
24 January 2025
The North-West University (NWU) is pleased with progress regarding the registration of first-year students for the 2025 academic year.
We received more than 390 000 applications to enrol at the NWU for this academic year. We are encouraged and grateful that we remain a university of choice for many prospective students, and that we continue to be recognised for academic excellence, a vibrant student life, and a sound co-curricular environment.
Registration for first-year students started on Monday, 20 January, and to date close to 9 400 have been fully registered. Registration for first-year students closes on 7 February 2025, taking into account qualification capacity.
We reiterate that walk-ins are strictly not allowed, and late applications for the 2025 academic year will not be considered.
We look forward to our returning students starting their registration on Monday, 27 January. This process will take place in a staggered approach focusing on specific faculties. Detailed step-by-step information is also available to assist students during this journey.
We acknowledge that some applicants have experienced problems with the registration process. This is partly due to the implementation of a new Student Information System causing a few glitches. We apologise for the inconvenience and recommit ourselves to offer the best possible and memorable service.
We are attending to the high volume of enquiries and appreciate your patience as we work to respond to each of these as quickly and efficiently as possible.
We have provided several resources to help ensure a smooth registration journey.
Helpful tools for registration for first-year students
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about registration 2025 (Find answers to common questions here)
- Registration and orientation information (Learn more about the registration process and orientation for first-year students)
- Registration Navigator (Use this interactive tool to guide you through the registration process)
- Let’s Get You Registered infographic (a visual guide to help you complete your registration)
- 8 Steps to registration (follow these clear steps to complete your registration)
- Registration video (watch this step-by-step video tutorial for assistance).
Helpful tools for registration for senior students
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Registration 2025 (Find answers to common questions here)
- Registration Video (watch this step-by-step video tutorial for assistance).
- Step by step registration (follow these clear steps to complete your registration)
We encourage you to use these tools to address any queries you might have and to ensure a smooth start to your academic journey.
We cannot wait to welcome all our registered students to our campuses in anticipation of the start of the 2025 academic year which is scheduled to start on 10 February 2025.
Students who experience challenges during the registration process are encouraged to use the following channels:
WhatsApp number: +27 (0) 60 070 2606
NWU Call Centre: 0860 169 698
Email: studies@nwu.ac.za
We also have a very useful bot that can assist with queries. The bot can be accessed here: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/
Issued by NWU Corporate Relations and Marketing
High volume of enquiries on service lines
24 January 2025
Thank you for reaching out to North-West University. We are currently experiencing high volumes of enquiries and appreciate your patience as we work to respond to each of these as quickly and efficiently as possible.
To support you, we’ve provided several resources to help ensure a smooth registration journey for you:
Helpful tools for registration for first-year students
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about registration 2025 (Find answers to common questions here)
- Registration and orientation information (Learn more about the registration process and orientation for first-year students)
- Registration Navigator (Use this interactive tool to guide you through the registration process)
- Let’s Get You Registered infographic (a visual guide to help you complete your registration)
- 8 Steps to registration (follow these clear steps to complete your registration)
- Registration video (watch this step-by-step video tutorial for assistance).
Helpful tools for registration for senior students
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Registration 2025 (Find answers to common questions here)
- Registration Video (watch this step-by-step video tutorial for assistance).
- Step by step registration (follow these clear steps to complete your registration)
We encourage you to use these tools to address any queries you might have and to ensure a smooth start to your academic journey.
If you still require assistance, rest assured that our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you to North-West University!
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