<< Back
The three towns they are situated in are just as unique and diverse as the three campuses of the North-West University. Eish! takes a look at a short history of Mahikeng, Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark.
The NWU’s Mafikeng Campus is situated in the capital of the North-West Province, Mahikeng.
Mahikeng is best known internationally for the Siege of Mafeking, the most famous military engagement of the Second Boer War.
Located close to South Africa’s border with Botswana, the town is part of the Mahikeng Municipality which, according to their website, has a population of approximately 271 500. Mahikeng is the headquarters of the Barolong Boo Ratshidi people and was
founded by tribal leader, Molema Tawana in 1857. Mafikeng and Mahikeng are Setswana names, both meaning “Place of stones”. The name of the city changed in 2010 to Mahikeng.
The Mafikeng Campus had its beginnings in 1960 when the University of Bophuthatswana (UNIBO) was born. It was established through the generous donations of people who collected funds for their own university.
