The NWU is proud to announce that it has appointed two new directors and a manager, all with exceptional track records and experience in their respective fields.
Prof Fulufhelo Netswera has been appointed as the director of the School of Business and Governance, James Botha as the new director of Legal Services and Thoriso Maseng as manager of the Career Centre.
Fulufhelo brings business acumen and academia together
With more than 22 years of experience within the higher education, research and innovation sectors, Fulufhelo Netswera brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position of director of the School of Business and Governance.
Fulufhelo says he is excited about his new role, which he took up on 1 November. “I have a good grasp of what is required to run a successful school and develop a cohort of future leaders, academics and civil society activists. I am confident that together with my faculty members, we will collectively be able to achieve a lot.”
Before joining the NWU, Fulufhelo worked as the deputy dean at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the Tshwane University of Technology in the Faculty of Economics and Finance, and is also an adjunct professor at the Uganda Technology and Management University. Apart from his academic and leadership duties, Fulufhelo continues to be an active researcher.
Prof Fulufhelo Netswera is the new director of the School of Business and Governance.
Integrity and quality are James’ priorities
As of 1 September, James Botha was appointed as the new director of Legal Services. He previously worked as a senior legal advisor at the university. “When I heard that I had received the promotion I was overcome with joy. I have always been loyal to the university so the promotion was a dream come true,” says James.
His aim is to make sure that the NWU’s integrity and quality of legal services are undisputed. “I will also make sure that our legal services and expertise are used to advance and support the various core functions of the institution,” he says.
James has 22 years of experience within the legal sector since obtaining his BLc LLB at the University of Pretoria and a diploma in tax at the University of Johannesburg. After completing his articles and qualifying as an attorney, he worked for a law firm for 15 years, before joining the NWU in 2008.
James Botha is the new director of Legal Services.
Thoriso ready to strengthen industry partnership
Thoriso Maseng joined the NWU as manager of the Career Centre on 2 August. “With my role, I plan to expand networks of academics and the Industry, to the benefit of NWU students and their employability.
"I will also work on embracing a culture of entrepreneurship for NWU students through initiation of entrepreneurship mentoring and coaching, partnering with existing portfolios such as Enactus on all three campuses and the bhive Enterprise Development Centre, in getting more business people to mentor our students and promote a culture of entrepreneurship among them,” he says.
Thoriso adds that he is very excited about taking on this role, because it will enable him to make a great impact on a number of young people – students of the Northwest University.
With 14 years’ experience, Thoriso brings an impressive set of credentials to the NWU. He has worked at a number of state entities and private organisations in various positions. Before joining the institution, he worked for Anglo American Platinum as Consultant: Organisational Development Specialist.
He obtained his BComHons in industrial and organisational psychology at Unisa and is studying towards his master’s in business leadership through Unisa’s Graduate School of Business Leadership.
Thoriso Maseng was appointed as manager of the Career Centre.
The NWU looks forward to reaping the benefits of the talent, commitment and focus that Fulufhelo, James and Thoriso have brought to their new positions.