Earlier this year thousands of first-year students started their academic careers. The NWU welcomed more than 9 000 first-year contact students, with the Potchefstroom Campus receiving them on 9 January, the Mafikeng Campus on 18 January and the Vaal Triangle Campus on 30 January.

“All universities had a rough 2015 and we expect the year ahead to be equally challenging. However, this is the start of a wonderful and important part of your life,” said Prof Dan Kgwadi, vice-chancellor of the NWU at the welcoming events.

He assured students and their parents that, in the light of various challenges, including finances, the NWU will work carefully with available funds and that good corporate governance will remain one of the university’s hallmarks.

“You come to university to earn a qualification, but also to grow as a person. So I invite you to embrace diversity. Open your mind to new ideas and creative ways to serve our country and all its people. I encourage you to be positive and be part of the solutions that we need to find,” he said.